More than 200 people gathered Oct. 1 to celebrate our community’s brightest stars. The inaugural More childhood, please. Awards honored community members and Akron Children’s employees who improve kids’ lives throughout northeast Ohio. Welcome and entertainment Chris Gessner, Akron Children’s president and CEO, greeted the event attendees. “When I look around this room, I am […]
Archives for 2025
Akron Children’s tiniest Swifties celebrate their NICU era
The countdown to Taylor Swift’s new album release, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has fans around the world buzzing. Now, some of Akron Children’s tiniest patients are joining the celebration in their own adorable way. From sparkling dresses to football jerseys, the babies in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) became “Tiny Swifties” for a […]
11-year-old’s courage inspires community amid third cancer battle
This fall, Noah Kotlarek started sixth grade at Buckeye Intermediate School in Medina. He’s part of the travel soccer program, a huge Star Wars fan and a dedicated gamer. At just 11 years old, he is also facing his third battle with cancer. A tough journey In July 2022, 8-year-old Noah began experiencing troubling symptoms […]
Cancer brings three families together
“Your child has cancer.” That’s a sentence no parent expects to hear. But cancer brought the Holm, Courtney and Thomas families together – and they formed lasting friendships. Meet Jack Jack Holm is an athletic 12-year-old at Louisville Middle School who played baseball, basketball and golf. Nagging leg pain and swelling led his mom, Sarah, […]
Adenoid surgery helps Gus breathe and sleep better
When a child has surgery, it’s a nervous time for the whole family. But the team at the Akron Children’s Outpatient Surgery Center in Beachwood delivered a great experience for Gus Pietrocini and his parents. Breathing and sleeping problems Gus turned 10 this month. He never really slept with his mouth closed, even as a […]
International Translation Day: Spotlight on medical interpreters
Every day at Akron Children’s, our medical interpreters ensure that families can understand their child’s diagnosis, ask questions and make informed decisions. In celebration of International Translation Day on Sept. 30, we asked a few of our language access professionals to share their personal stories and explain how they provide compassionate care through clarity, connection […]
