Whether stemming from an injury, burnout or a disagreement with the coach, quitting a sport can have lasting effects on a child. As a parent or caregiver, understanding the repercussions of quitting can make you an asset to your child’s well-being when they contemplate leaving a sport. “It can be a huge loss of identity […]
Archives for 2022
Dave and Julie Pratt support Akron Children’s culture of caring
As parents of three active boys, it didn’t take long for Dave and Julie Pratt to become familiar with the Emergency Department at Akron Children’s. Visits became common, helping the family mend broken bones and stitch up cuts. “One weekend we had each boy in there for something different,” said Julie. “By the third trip, […]
Tom and Joy Murdough’s $500,000 gift supports Innovation Challenge
Tom Murdough is known as many things. Inventor, employer, pioneer, husband, father, grandfather. The innovator and founder of Little Tikes, Step2 and Simplay3 also embodies another important moniker: philanthropist. Together with his wife, Joy, Tom has supported organizations across northeast Ohio, including Akron Children’s. Since 1983, the couple has donated over $2 million to our […]
Is the COVID-19 vaccine the answer to getting back to normalcy?
Over the past year, COVID-19 has disrupted just about every aspect of our lives — from virtual school to work-at-home orders to canceled social and sporting events. So it’s no surprise many families are desperate to get their lives back to some form of normalcy in this New Year. With millions of vaccinations being distributed […]
Why are kids still suffering from COVID-related anxiety and how can we help?
Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and parents and kids alike are still reeling from the unexpected disruptions. While many parts of our lives are returning to some normalcy, we still haven’t gotten back to our baseline normal — and that can be stressful. The pandemic’s lingering effects are creating anxiety in our children. Constant […]
Meet Chris Gessner, new president and CEO of Akron Children’s
To Chris Gessner, there’s nothing in the health care industry quite as special as a children’s hospital. “I believe it’s the deep connections they have with the communities they serve,” said Chris. “And Akron Children’s community connections are deep and pervasive. It was one of the main things that attracted me here.” Chris began his […]