Dr. Starla Martinez, pediatric pulmonologist and division director of the Robert T. Stone, MD, Respiratory Center, joined the team at Akron Children’s in July 2000. In her 25 years at the hospital, she’s held different positions, and a lot has changed. But what initially drew her here – the mission and heart of the hospital […]
Hospital Updates
After a career of helping children take steps toward recovery, Turranna Rice retires
Turranna Rice, physical therapy assistant (PTA), has been impacting the lives of children for 45 years by supporting their journey to recovery and rehabilitation. Through determination and positive energy, she made her dream of teaching children to walk into a reality. Turranna graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with a degree in applied sciences. While working as a lab tech at her university, she found a job opportunity at Akron […]
Birthing Beautiful Communities: Strengthening and supporting families
The Birthing Beautiful Communities (BBC) nonprofit organization won the “Business Impact Award” at the Oct. 1 Akron Children’s More childhood, please.™ Awards. The award honors the tireless efforts of the BBC team to help at-risk babies make it through their first year of life. About the organization Founded in 2014, BBC is rooted in the […]
A career led with open arms: LuAnn Kuhl retires after 42 years
LuAnn Kuhl, nurse practitioner in Pulmonary Medicine, started her career at Akron Children’s 42 years ago. She graduated from Trumbull Memorial School of Nursing in 1982 and began working as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s in 1983. “I was in my early 20s,” LuAnn said. “I was just […]
Adaptive Sports Ohio gives kids of all abilities a chance to play sports
When Lisa Followay, CEO of Adaptive Sports Ohio, learned she was being recognized with Akron Children’s More childhood, please.TM Civic Champion Award, she said it felt deeply meaningful. “This award reaffirms the importance of adaptive sports and the work we do to give all children the chance to play,” she said. “It also reflects not just […]
Mary Leuca’s happy place: The Holiday Tree Festival
Mary received the “Luminary” award at the Oct. 1 Akron Children’s More childhood, please.™ Awards, honoring her dedication to the Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival. The yearly event means more to Mary than just raising funds for Akron Children’s. It’s a community treasure – and her happy place. Mary’s love for kids leads her to […]
