Dr. Joe Congeni was a Cleveland kid who grew up loving his hometown, sports and, early on, became a firm believer in the good that can come from being part of a team. As he retires Aug. 1 from Akron Children’s, where he served as the long-time director of Sports Medicine until 2024, he considers […]
Archives for 2025
What parents should know about bee sting allergies
It’s that time of year: baseball, barbecues and bee stings. Dr. Lisa Sammon, pediatric allergist and director of the Akron Children’s Center for Allergy and Immunology shares her expertise about bee sting allergies. Q: How common are bee sting allergies in kids? A: Despite much fear surrounding bee stings, severe allergy to bees is quite […]
Alicia Rich recognized as Akron Children’s 2025 Faces of Care award honoree
Congratulations to Alicia Rich for being named Akron Children’s 2025 Faces of Care award honoree. Presented by the Greater Cleveland Nurses Association and Cleveland Magazine, this prestigious recognition celebrates nurses across Northeast Ohio who have made significant contributions to the nursing community. Alicia has been part of the Akron Children’s family for 20 years. She […]
How a high school book report led to Phyllis Mesko’s 55-year nursing career
During her sophomore year in high school, Phyllis Mesko was given an assignment – write a book report on “Sue Barton, Student Nurse.” Little did she know that book would change the course of her life. Inspired by the fictional character’s glamorous career, Phyllis decided to pursue nursing herself. In 1970, Phyllis realized her dream […]
Diane Pitts reaches 50-year milestone as a nurse
Diane Pitts didn’t begin her nursing career in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But once she took a leap of faith to become a NICU nurse, she found her professional home. Her early career Diane started at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, working in the recovery room for 11 1/2 years. “My best friend […]
Quick, calm action by Akron Children’s home nurse saves mom’s life
Nicole Pamias had an EpiPen® but had never needed to use it. By the time she needed to use it, her eyes were almost swollen shut – and she unable to read instructions. She could feel her windpipe closing in. Panic was setting in. But, as fate would have it, she had a nurse in […]
