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 […]
Hospital Updates
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 […]
The end of an era: Jean Christopher reflects on her career at Akron Children’s
The day Jean Christopher began working at Akron Children’s as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in 2005, she was approached with a “little” project to work on. Twenty years later, this “little” project is continuing to shape central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) clinical work not only at Children’s, but around the country. Jean’s […]
Online rewind: Our top YouTube videos of 2025
Inspirational patient stories dominated our 10 most-watched YouTube channel videos for the year. But there were still plenty of views left for our ever-popular Doggie Brigade and our amazing nursing staff. We received more than 4.5 million views in 2025 from children and their families throughout northeast Ohio … and the world. We invite you […]
After 44 years of service, Vicki Parisi reflects on her career at Akron Children’s
When Vicki Parisi walked through the doors of Akron Children’s for a medical assisting internship 44 years ago, she had no idea she’d never leave. Today, as she prepares to retire on Dec. 31, Vicki is reflecting on a career filled with growth, gratitude and countless memories. “I came here for my medical assisting internship, […]













