Akron Children’s President and CEO, Grace Wakulchik (far left), was joined by the Trachsel family of Stow, local and government official, as well as employees during the ribbon-cutting event at The Cynthia Parker Matthews Building at Akron Children’s Health Center, Boston Heights.
Hundreds of community members, government officials and employees gathered to get a sneak peek of the new Akron Children’s Hospital health center in Boston Heights.
The event’s ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from the hospital’s president and CEO, Grace Wakulchik, who welcomed guests, and the hospital’s Chaplain Matthew Tweddle who dedicated the new space.
The Trachsel family of Stow shared a personal story about their daughter, Madelyn, and the significance of having access to quality care close to home.
Mike Trachsel (far right) spoke about his daughter, Madelyn, and the care she’s received since birth at Akron Children’s.
“Madelyn is here today thanks to the many people at Akron Children’s who cared for her from the start…,” said Madelyn’s dad, Mike Trachsel. Madelyn, who just graduated from occupational and speech therapy, took the microphone after her dad’s speech. Without hesitation, she said, “Thank you.”
Physical therapy is part of 2-year-old Madelyn’s ongoing care. At the open house, she decided to give the Rehabilitative Services’ indoor track a test run before it opens later this month. Her mom Olivia Waters and Lisa Aurilio, who’s the chief operating officer at Akron Children’s, smile and stand out of the way as Madelyn makes her way past them.
The hospital’s newest health center is named The Cynthia Parker Matthews Building in honor of a $2 million donation from the Cynthia Parker Matthews Family Foundation. Marci Matthews, chair of the distribution committee of the foundation, spoke at the event about the important role Akron Children’s plays in the lives of many.
Joel Testa, co-principal of Testa Development, was also present and talked about the importance of giving back, as the company will gift the $15 million building to the hospital at the end of its lease.
Akron Children’s President and CEO Grace Wakulchik thanked donors during the open house for their generous contributions. Pictured top with Marci Matthews, chair of the distribution committee of the Cynthia Parker Matthews Family Foundation. Below, Grace is pictured with the Testa family in the Welcome Center of the new health center.
The site houses a new location for Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics and is the new home for the area’s urgent care and rehabilitation services office, which are moving from the 5655 Hudson Drive office.
The space also offers radiology, laboratory services and more than a dozen specialty services, including allergy/immunology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology and diabetes, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ENT), plastic and reconstructive surgery, pulmonology, rheumatology, sports medicine and urology.
Physicians for the Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Boston Heights location were on hand to welcome families. The new office will begin seeing patients Sept. 24.
At the open house, friendly staff, Doggie Brigade members and larger-than-life murals and artwork greeted visitors. A scavenger hunt path led visitors through the more than 43,000-square-foot building that ended with a prize and refreshments. Families also enjoyed entertainment from “the bubble lady,” a photo booth, magician and outdoor games like hula-hoop and giant checkers.
Kids smiled for fun-spirited pictures at the photo booth and enjoyed the wonders of bubbles with “the bubble lady.”
The Cynthia Parker Matthews Building at Akron Children’s Health Center, Boston Heights is located at 328 E. Hines Hill Road, Boston Heights. Urgent Care will open at the Boston Heights facility on Mon., Sept. 23. All other health center services will open Tues., Sept. 24.
The Cynthia Parker Matthews Building at Akron Children’s Health Center, Boston Heights is located at 328 E. Hines Hill Road, Boston Heights.
Information such as office hours and physicians is located in Akron Children’s new Akron Children’s Anywhere app, which is free and available for both Android and Apple devices.
Families enjoyed self-guided tours of the new 43,000 square-foot-building that ended with a treat. This little guy was excited about his reflection in the Rehabilitation Services’ mirrors …and about getting a cookie!
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