When Bailey Aikens-Caceres entered the world, her moms weren’t ready. They didn’t have her nursery decorated. The car seat wasn’t installed, and they certainly weren’t expecting a hospital stay. Born at 31 weeks due to a placental abruption, Bailey is currently in the Akron Children’s NICU getting stronger by the day. Though Bailey’s birth mom […]
Patient Stories
Irish dancer overcomes injuries and achieves success at world championships
After seeing Lord of the Dance (a high-energy Irish dance show) at age 3, Jocelyn Mehle, now age 17, became fascinated with the athletic dance style that features minimal upper body movement and fast, frenetic footwork. “Beginning at age 5 she used to accompany her older sister, Kayla, to Burke School of Irish Dance in […]
Jersey winner’s design takes the field at RubberDucks game
Levi Buxman, age 10, is eagerly anticipating the Akron RubberDucks baseball game on August 9 for a very special reason – the team will be wearing jerseys that he designed as part of the Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders’ annual design contest and patient celebration event. This exciting occasion is made […]
A dependable, relaxing retirement awaits Akron Children’s “Super” Sterling Duncan
Some things are dependable, like Arctic jackets and thermal underwear. And some people are dependable, like Sterling Duncan, Akron Children’s food service inventory control technician, who takes pride in his work and excellent attendance record. Put them together and they can overcome bad situations, including heavy snowstorms that shut down much of Akron. It was […]
Welcome to Akron Children’s Vision Center, Valerie Russell, physician assistant
Valerie Russell, PA-C is the first physician assistant at Akron Children’s Vision Center. Passionate about caring for children and providing exceptional care, Valerie is excited to further Akron Children’s mission by joining the ophthalmology team. The Vision Center, an Akron Children’s Center of Excellence, specializes in the comprehensive evaluation, coordinated care and cutting-edge treatment of […]
From struggles to smiles, family finds care for clubfoot at Akron Children’s transformative
Ryker Heiss is a spirited 3-year-old who loves reading, building blocks and magnet tiles, playing outside and watching golf on TV with his Papa. His happy-go-lucky demeanor masks the medical journey that began before he was even born. When his mom, Katie, was 20 weeks pregnant, she learned he had bilateral clubfoot and an enlarged […]
