As a licensed practical nurse and mom of 2, Jennifer Castleberry has long relied on her instincts. But nothing tested them quite like the mysterious, lingering symptoms that plagued her energetic 8-year-old son, Negan. For months, Negan battled recurring respiratory issues. Then came the night wakings, leg pain and headaches. Jennifer’s concern grew despite rounds […]
Archives for 2025
Service with a smile: Sarnetta Bradshaw retires
Sarnetta Bradshaw, surgery aide, finds fulfillment in service both at work and at home. Sarnetta started her journey at Akron Children’s 35 years ago in Environmental Services (EVS) before moving into a surgical aide position in 1999. From her EVS work in the NICU to comforting patients heading to the operating room (OR), Sarnetta’s positive […]
Do’s and don’ts for safety around the campfire
From gooey s’mores to sharing ghost stories, campfires are a sure-fire way to get into the summer spirit. Just don’t let a burn put a damper on the fun and memory making. Without burn prevention protocols in place, campfires can easily get out of control and leave lasting scars — both physically and mentally. “Campfires […]
Akron Children’s Bowel Management Clinic helps 8-year-old manage bowel condition
When Lindsey Costain was pregnant with her daughter McKenzie in 2016, everything seemed normal –until a failed stress test at 7½ months led to a referral to Akron Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine department at Aultman Hospital. “I was scared because they thought the baby only had one kidney,” said Lindsey. Though unsettling, doctors reassured […]
From patient to medical staff president: Dr. Laura Markley’s journey comes full circle at Akron Children’s
When Dr. Laura Markley becomes president of Akron Children’s Medical Staff on July 1, it will mark a meaningful personal and professional moment. As a toddler, she was hospitalized at Akron Children’s with a life-threatening infection — one that would later become largely preventable through routine childhood immunization. Now, as a physician leader, she hopes […]
Hybrid surgery helps Sydnee’s scoliosis
Sydnee Everhart of Lisbon, Ohio loves marching band and archery. But she’s taking it easy this summer while she recovers from surgery to correct scoliosis. Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side cure in the spine. Sydnee’s mom, Jennifer, noticed the S-shaped curve in January 2024. Sydnee got an X-ray the next month, which showed her spine […]
