The 2025 Christmas season didn’t start as planned for the Ivery family of Stow, Ohio. A burn accident put 12-year-old Gianna, a competitive cheerleader, in the hospital. But thanks to her determination and innovative treatment at Akron Children’s, she rejoined her cheer team just a few months later. “It was the first day of winter […]
Patient Stories
After 18 surgeries, a 9-year-old steps into her dream of becoming a doctor for a day
Four days after her 18th surgery, Madelyn Trachsel, age 9, walked into Akron Children’s. But today she wasn’t here in her usual capacity as a patient. Instead, she was a doctor in training, stepping into a dream she’s had for many years. “Ever since she was little, she’s said she wants to be a doctor,” […]
Born at 32 weeks with Down syndrome, toddler overcomes NICU stay, surgeries and feeding challenges
When Lindsey Conway went in for her 12-week ultrasound for her second child, she didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary. But that quickly changed when doctors spotted something concerning. “There was a spot on the back of the baby’s neck called a cystic hygroma that’s often associated with chromosomal abnormalities,” Lindsey said. “Because of […]
After 15 months and talk of amputation, one man finally finds healing
In the summer of 2024, West Akron resident Jeff Dzuro, age 69, was trimming trees in his backyard when a branch nicked his leg. What seemed like a minor cut would turn into a 15-month medical ordeal that nearly cost him his leg. At first the wound seemed minor, but when it didn’t improve, he […]
ROCK research group earns top orthopedic honor for knee research
At the 2026 annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the Research on OsteoChondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) study group received the AAOS Impact Award, one of the highest honors in orthopedic research. Formerly known as the Kappa Delta Award, the annual award recognizes outstanding research that improves care for bones, joints […]
Teen dancer’s sudden seizure leads to lifesaving autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis
On the morning of July 22, 2025, 14-year-old Grey Griggy woke up dizzy, vomiting and unable to walk. Her mom, Stacey, tried to keep things calm as they sat down to watch a movie together. But during a simple conversation about what to watch, Stacey noticed something alarming. “She was describing the movie she wanted […]
