For a pediatric brain tumor patient, one of the most celebrated measures of success is becoming a survivor. Amelia Hartong of Massillon became a survivor at just 1-year-old and now, age 5, she reminds us all that the best measure of success is happiness. “Amelia is thriving, and we celebrate it, but her success and […]
Right place at the right time: Marietta boy battles cancer during a pandemic at Akron Children’s
February 2020 brought a global pandemic and a cancer diagnosis to then 11-year-old Paul Smith. Both required isolation and patience. Both would bring tears and sacrifice. But neither could stop Paul’s resilience, a mother’s love or a care team dedicated to getting Paul back to his best. On a family ski trip, Paul’s cancer let […]
Advances in treatment bring childhood cancer survival rates close to 90 percent
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Dr. Jeff Hord, medical director of Akron Children’s Showers Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, used the opportunity to discuss with Ray Horner, of WAKR AM Radio, the advances made in childhood cancer outcomes. Here are the highlights of their conversation: Horner: I’ve been doing some reading […]
National Cancer Survivor Month: E.J.’s story
Miami University student E.J. Coulas has been in remission for 12 years after battling an aggressive type of leukemia. The disease struck before he was old enough to understand it. He was in treatment for more than 3 years, yet he says his memories are mostly positive. “When I was a kid, I didn’t think […]