Malikai Wiseman of Green had a routine pregnancy and delivery at Summa Health. But her baby boy, Oliver, had trouble breathing. He went from the nursery to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). “I was 20 years old when Oliver was born. Being a young parent is scary in and of itself,” Malikai said. “Then […]
Patient Stories
Maze rebounds after open-heart surgery
Maze Crooks of Bay Village was born with a heart defect called a “secundum atrial septal defect (ASD).” This is a hole in the middle of the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. Maze’s aunt and uncle, Amy and Ray Cebulis, began caring for him around age 2. They became Maze’s legal […]
11-year-old’s courage inspires community amid third cancer battle
This fall, Noah Kotlarek started sixth grade at Buckeye Intermediate School in Medina. He’s part of the travel soccer program, a huge Star Wars fan and a dedicated gamer. At just 11 years old, he is also facing his third battle with cancer. A tough journey In July 2022, 8-year-old Noah began experiencing troubling symptoms […]
Cancer brings three families together
“Your child has cancer.” That’s a sentence no parent expects to hear. But cancer brought the Holm, Courtney and Thomas families together – and they formed lasting friendships. Meet Jack Jack Holm is an athletic 12-year-old at Louisville Middle School who played baseball, basketball and golf. Nagging leg pain and swelling led his mom, Sarah, […]
Adenoid surgery helps Gus breathe and sleep better
When a child has surgery, it’s a nervous time for the whole family. But the team at the Akron Children’s Outpatient Surgery Center in Beachwood delivered a great experience for Gus Pietrocini and his parents. Breathing and sleeping problems Gus turned 10 this month. He never really slept with his mouth closed, even as a […]
Wynn’s inspiring journey from preemie to respiratory therapist
Wynn Stoller gives Akron Children’s families hope just by walking in the door. Why? Because he’s gone from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patient to a Respiratory Therapist – training he received through the Career Launch program. Early arrival Wynn entered the world Dec. 14, 2002. Born at 24 weeks, he weighed just 1 […]
