It takes a lot to rattle Michelle Stevens. The mom of 4 boys ages 14, 11, 10 and 8, two of whom have Fragile X syndrome, a genetic mutation that causes intellectual delays, is used to rolling with the punches. When her youngest son, Max, was 4 months old she wasn’t terribly concerned when she […]
Halo traction therapy and spinal fusion surgery mean more ‘airtime’ for coaster enthusiast
For 14-year-old Matt Hill the news that he needed scoliosis surgery was far from welcome. It meant the rollercoaster aficionado had to keep two feet on the ground and sit out the already short Ohio coaster season last summer. A freshman at Hoover High School in Canton, Matt has been a platinum pass holder at […]
A safer scan for patients like Bailey
Bailey Fumich’s mother has lost count of how many X-rays he’s had to have since first being seen for scoliosis nearly a decade ago. “He’s had a lot,” said Tina McKenna, noting that Bailey got X-rays about every 6 months as doctors in the Akron Children’s spine program monitored his scoliosis. Now Bailey, who underwent […]
Number of surgeries doesn’t define Devyn
What’s in a number? Well, if you’re 12-year-old Devyn Emmons, it’s time. Time spent at Akron Children’s. The number “43” is how many surgeries he’s had to date with more on the way. “I’m not sure why I started counting in the first place,” said Crystal Emmons, Devyn’s mom. “When he was in the NICU […]
Counting down to cast-off day
I’m not sure what I had expected after Jordan’s hip surgery, but it’s been a crazy ride. We tried to prepare the house for Jordan’s homecoming. I researched on different blogs and looked for suggestions on Pinterest. I watched videos about how to care for him to maybe get some insight for what to expect and where our journey would take us next.
