Organizers had to get a little creative this year, but no way were the Hirschbecks going to let a pandemic get in the way of brightening the spirits of some very deserving and special children this year. John and Denise Hirschbeck, founders of the Magic of Michael Foundation, each year shop for, purchase, wrap and […]
Dr. Friebert receives national award for leadership in palliative care medicine
Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Friebert, director of the Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Division, for receiving the Project on Death in America Palliative Medicine Community Leadership Award from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM). Dr. Friebert will receive the award at AAHPM’s Annual Assembly in San Diego, Calif., in March. “Palliative care […]
It’s independence day for Tyler Cool after 10-month hospitalization
A scheduled spinal procedure on Aug. 24 turned into a 10-month roller coaster ride for Tyler Cool. The 20-year-old from Norton, who has spina bifida and other conditions, stayed positive and flipped many negatives into opportunities, such as: playing jokes on new friends at the hospital, learning new “adult-ing skills” and advancing to the next […]
Let the pampering begin: New hospital hair salon opens for patients, parents
When your son has spent 6 of the last 12 months in the hospital, simple “everyday” things – like getting your hair trimmed – tend to get neglected. That is the case for Nancy and Tom Ely, who have spent countless hours bedside with their 13-year-old son, Daniel. Daniel has autism, cerebral palsy, a degenerative […]
An angel not forgotten: Memories of Brian Montgomery 12 years later
After losing a child, your mind goes to all kinds of deep, dark places. In fact, there is a long period where you may not even remember going. But in coping with the darkness, your memory brings you the memories of your loved child, your son or daughter, your child… your baby. Memory is a […]
Palliative Care patients benefit from holiday generosity of Hirschbeck family
John Hirschbeck spent a 30-plus-year career developing a tough, unflappable exterior as one needs to have as a successful Major League Baseball umpire. Now retired, he was far from emotionless as he and his wife Denise handed out gifts to patient families from Akron Children’s Hospital’s Palliative Care program in the Mahoning Valley. The Hirschbecks […]