In the realm of numbers, each one tells a story. For 18-year-old Devyn Emmons, the number “54” carries some weight because it signifies the number of surgeries and procedures he’s been through over the last 18 years. Devyn’s journey began on October 3, 2005, when he went into fetal distress and had to be delivered […]
Patient Stories
New mom achieved ‘priceless gift’ of tandem nursing twins with help of Akron Children’s breastfeeding medicine specialist
Allison Gonzales was Dr. Carly Dulabon’s first patient when Akron Children’s opened its Breastfeeding Medicine Program in February 2024. Dr. Dulabon was inspired to start the program because, years earlier, she too was exactly in Allison’s place – a new mom of twins who had been through the emotional roller coaster ride of the […]
A parent’s perspective: Witnessing the power of our PICU
Many of us wear multiple hats in life. Advanced practice providers are no different. They dedicate themselves to caring for children, but at home, they’re simply parents. The following story comes from a place many providers can relate to – the vulnerability of their own child’s health and the profound gratitude for the incredible care […]
Ahead of the curve: Spinal tethering surgery helps gymnast recover from scoliosis
Mady Sirlouis, age 11, is a bit of a frequent flier – adept at both back handsprings and trips to Akron Children’s for frequent broken bones. “She breaks a bone every year,” said her mom, Autumn, “She’s broken both arms and both legs multiple times, but that doesn’t stop her from doing back flips and […]
24-year-old becomes first Akron Children’s patient to undergo transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement
Tony Ferrante, age 24, was born with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). His condition is called pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and it’s a condition he has and will live with for the rest of his life. According to one of Tony’s adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) cardiologists, Dr. Ashish Saini, CHD is the […]
Akron Children’s nurse finds support and advocacy for son with Down syndrome
Hilary Tonni’s connection to Akron Children’s runs deep. Not only has she worked here for the last 16 years (currently as a clinical research nurse), it’s also the place she seeks care for her 8-year-old son, Gabe, who has Down syndrome. Hilary’s journey with Gabe began with a 20-week ultrasound that hinted at the possibility […]
