At the inaugural More childhood, please.™ Awards held in 2025, Meagen and Jeff Gries were honored with the Family Impact Award for their tireless advocacy to protect infants and educate caregivers about safe sleep practices – work rooted in love, loss and hope. For the Gries’, the award represents far more than recognition. The family’s advocacy […]
Archives for 2026
Zy’Aire rebounds from surgery to repair a rare heart defect
Zy’Aire Taylor of Orrville loves sports, whether he’s throwing a football with his younger brother or playing on his school’s basketball team. After episodes of chest pains and passing out while playing basketball at his after-school program in early 2022, he wondered if he’d ever be able to play sports again. Thanks to the Akron […]
Patient experience spotlight: Dr. Jessica Tattershall
Each month, Akron Children’s recognizes an employee for providing an excellent patient experience. Our most recent honoree is Dr. Jessica Tattershall, pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics in Austintown. She recently received this feedback from a grateful grandma: “I am the grandmother of (patient name omitted for privacy). She recently lost her mother in June to […]
A family’s enduring legacy: The Showers Family Foundation plants seeds for generations of care
In the world of philanthropy, few stories illustrate the power of generational giving like that of Dave and Martha Showers. The retired CEO of Wayne Homes and his wife have not only donated millions to Akron Children’s but have also instilled a passion for helping children in their family, ensuring their impact endures. Dave, now […]
Your most common questions about fentanyl
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is much stronger than morphine or heroin. The term fentanyl can refer to a medication used safely in hospitals, an illegally made drug found in counterfeit pills or fentanyl-like substances that can be even stronger. While pharmaceutical fentanyl has important medical uses, illicitly manufactured fentanyl is often hidden […]
Mackenzie Roach inspires others, making a positive impact after a life-changing diagnosis
The day after her eighth birthday, Mackenzie Roach was diagnosed with a brain tumor. A week later, she underwent surgery to remove it. After the surgery, she began the long journey to relearn basic skills such as walking and talking. While doing so, she continued to positively impact her community, choosing to use her experiences […]
