What hockey player doesn’t dream of scoring a first period goal? It was a perfect moment for Elliott Hannah, age 14, as he shot and scored. But elation quickly turned to pain when one of the opposing team’s defensemen checked Elliott while trying to steal the puck. The force of that collision caused Elliott’s right […]
Patient Stories
Cardiac procedure targets frequent fainting, gives mom her life back
When Hannah Grable got COVID, everything changed. A busy mother of two, Hannah dealt with various health conditions throughout her life, including one that caused her to faint from time to time. After she had her second child, she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS is a blood circulation disorder that causes […]
Akron mom is a fierce advocate, cheerleader for 2 young children with special needs
Sharmba Varner begins her workday at 4:30 a.m. and, for this mom of four, including two children with special needs, life rarely pauses for one minute until her early evening bedtime. That’s fine with Sharmba. Even though having a daughter on the autism spectrum and a son with Down syndrome means days filled with extra […]
Brothers burned in house fire develop special bond with their nurse
On a recent visit to Akron Children’s to get sized for new compression garments and undergo laser surgery procedures, Arthur (Artie), age 8, and Alan Curtis, age 9, raced down the hall to embrace licensed practical nurse Stacey Cool. Stacey, who cared for the boys last year when they were severely burned in an explosion […]
After shocking Prader-Willi diagnosis, baby Jayda is progressing by leaps and bounds
Warren native Michele Hampton’s pregnancy was typical: She had common pregnancy discomforts, a growing belly (and swollen ankles) and a baby that was developing normally. In fact, it was very similar to her first healthy pregnancy, so when Michele was induced at 40 weeks, her and her husband, Andrew, were excited and eager to meet […]
A high-fat medical keto diet can be life-changing for children with epilepsy
A diet where generous amounts of oil, butter, mayonnaise and heavy cream are encouraged may sound odd but it’s keeping dozens of Akron Children’s patients seizure free and restoring normalcy to their lives. That makes parents and doctors big advocates of the medical keto diet for children whose seizures do not respond well to […]
