Before she was born, Gabrielle Richardson of Cuyahoga Falls became an Akron Children’s patient. Thanks to an array of Akron Children’s specialists, a strong support system and lots of prayer, she has exceeded all expectations. A look back In-utero testing showed Gabrielle had gastroschisis. This birth defect occurs when the abdominal wall doesn’t form completely, […]
Patient Stories
Julian’s journey from cleft diagnosis to a confident smile
Pregnant with her first child in 2018, Lindsay George was looking forward to her 20-week ultrasound. But amid the excitement came unexpected news: Her unborn baby had a cleft lip and palate. Unfamiliar with the condition, Lindsay wasted no time learning everything she could. “I wanted to be prepared, so I did a lot of […]
Quick, calm action by Akron Children’s home nurse saves mom’s life
Nicole Pamias had an EpiPen® but had never needed to use it. By the time she needed to use it, her eyes were almost swollen shut – and she unable to read instructions. She could feel her windpipe closing in. Panic was setting in. But, as fate would have it, she had a nurse in […]
West Virginia mom’s intuition leads to lifesaving diagnosis for her son
As a licensed practical nurse and mom of 2, Jennifer Castleberry has long relied on her instincts. But nothing tested them quite like the mysterious, lingering symptoms that plagued her energetic 8-year-old son, Negan. For months, Negan battled recurring respiratory issues. Then came the night wakings, leg pain and headaches. Jennifer’s concern grew despite rounds […]
Akron Children’s Bowel Management Clinic helps 8-year-old manage bowel condition
When Lindsey Costain was pregnant with her daughter McKenzie in 2016, everything seemed normal –until a failed stress test at 7½ months led to a referral to Akron Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine department at Aultman Hospital. “I was scared because they thought the baby only had one kidney,” said Lindsey. Though unsettling, doctors reassured […]
From patient to medical staff president: Dr. Laura Markley’s journey comes full circle at Akron Children’s
When Dr. Laura Markley becomes president of Akron Children’s Medical Staff on July 1, it will mark a meaningful personal and professional moment. As a toddler, she was hospitalized at Akron Children’s with a life-threatening infection — one that would later become largely preventable through routine childhood immunization. Now, as a physician leader, she hopes […]
