Our top “In the Moment” posts for February 2021 : Inside Children's Blog

We celebrated Black History Month and received an important new tool to assist in the ongoing pandemic, but still found time to spread a little love around the hospital in our top February “In the Moment” posts. We invite you to take a glance at the posts you may have missed, or a second peek at those you’ve already enjoyed.

1. There has been a lot of misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and its development, so we shared the following chart to help separate myth from fact.

Additional information can be found at akronchildrens.org/vaccinemyths.

2. Akron Children’s Hospital received a $1 million gift from Signet Jewelers that will help the hospital provide COVID-19 vaccinations to Akron-area teachers and school personnel.

Our hope is that increased vaccine distribution efforts like this clinic for the Tallmadge School District will allow kids and their teachers to get back to the classroom safely.

3. As kiddos are bundled up for outdoor fun this winter, we encouraged parents to be mindful that if they’re placing them in a car seat then dressing them in layers – not a bulky coat – is the best way to keep them safe and warm.

Be sure to follow this and the other dos and don’ts of winter car seat safety at http://bit.ly/3jiITI4.

4. Two-year-old Alaric Bridgeman started suffering from transverse myelitis at the beginning of December, which caused complete paralysis. Small but mighty, Alaric worked as hard as he could with his beloved physical therapists twice a day until he could walk out of the hospital.

Alaric’s Army – hospital staff, family, and friends from near and far- supported and cheered him on during his entire hospital stay. It was a very exciting day to send Alaric home.

5. Our NICU babies enjoyed our first annual NICU Read-a-thon event. The event ran February 1-14 and promoted early literacy and development for the babies.

A’nella Hunter is all smiles while she reads with her occupational therapist, Suzanne Weinfurtner. Who doesn’t love a good book?

6. Working at Akron Children’s is a family tradition for Karen Ellis. Her mother worked at Akron Children’s for 30 years, and she has worked here for nearly 38 years.

Prior to the pandemic, Karen prepared full Thanksgiving meals, complete with fancy plates and linens, to feed all the residents who could not be with their families during the holiday.

7. We celebrated Random Acts of Kindness day by sharing the generosity of Cam Betz, a heart patient who recently donated to toy box to ease the stays for other patients like himself.

Giving back to the heart community isn’t new for the Betz family. Cam’s mother, Kristen, is a part of Mended Little Hearts of Northeast Ohio.

8. Akron Children’s was proud to take part in getting kids safely back in classrooms by administering the COVID-19 vaccine to local educators yesterday.

Akron Children’s Hospital nurse Brook Baker administers the COVID-19 vaccination to Woodridge High School baseball coach Dennis Dever. (photo: Phil Masturzo, ABJ)

9. From the time you enter Akron Children’s until the time you leave the parking garage, we understand how much kindness matters. This is embodied by parking garage attendant Ed Galloway.

Ed was recently recognized for his pleasant interaction with one family as they left the hospital after a stressful appointment. The family noted that he ended their hospital visit on a positive note – and with that smile.

10. Thanks to generous gifts, we were able to spread some Valentine’s Day cheer around the hospital, including balloons donated by Dollar General.

Officer Mona Caley, K9 Officer Chase, and Volunteer Office Coordinator and Doggie Brigade Advisor Whitney Romine set off to deliver Valentine’s Day balloons.