For over a year, 17-year-old Wyatt Mullins had been experiencing severe gastrointestinal issues and abdominal pain that frequently left him bathroom-bound. An active teen who played baseball and wrestled, his health woes often left him writhing in pain. “I took him to his primary care doctor at least a dozen times in a year,” said […]
‘Country Roads’ lead burn survivors home to West Virginia
On the eve of Thanksgiving, prayers were answered for the Nelson family of Branchland, W.Va. After 86 days in Akron Children’s Regional Burn Center being treated for burns to 67 percent of his body, 13-year-old Sam Nelson was heading to his home. Sam said his two biggest priorities were to hug his dog, Shep, and […]
After facial fracture surgery, Amherst athlete makes a speedy return to baseball
Jonathan Williams, age 16, was one of two sophomores who made his high school varsity baseball team last year. When his coach called a last-minute Sunday afternoon practice, Jonathan, now a junior at Marion L. Steele High School, drove to the field. Jonathan, who plays second base, had a good practice until an infield grounder […]
Costume closet brings joy to patients and staff at Akron Children’s
For most kids, a stay in the hospital isn’t enjoyable. In fact, it can be scary. Former Akron Children’s employee Amanda Adey and her family know what comes with frequent visits to the hospital and hospital stays. Her 10-year-old daughter, Lyndee, spent the first three months of her life in the PICU for heart defects. […]
Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival is a family affair for volunteers
Jolea Swann’s journey to the Holiday Tree Festival began when her daughter Becky experienced a neurological emergency. Sitting in Becky’s hospital room at Akron Children’s, Jolea was approached by Marilyn McGuckin, director of volunteers, about helping with a tree on a patient floor. “Marilyn suggested I start volunteering while Becky was sick. It would give […]
Meet the DeSalvo family: Advocating for children with diabetes – and Akron Children’s
Grit. Determination. Humility. Strength. They’re just a few qualities that come to mind when describing 16-year-old Jessie DeSalvo. When it comes to achieving her goals, the high schooler and athlete doesn’t let anything stand in her way – including Type 1 diabetes. After Jessie was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease six years ago, Akron Children’s […]