For the Wallace family, what started as a cautious step into oral immunotherapy (OIT) has turned into something much bigger: freedom. When we first met Courtney Wallace in 2024, her children, Neva and Nathaniel, were in the middle of Akron Children’s OIT program – carefully building tolerance to peanuts and tree nuts through daily, measured […]
Patient Stories
Addison’s odyssey from knee injury to college student-athlete
Addison Lahmers plays 3 sports for Ridgewood High School in West Lafayette, Ohio. She tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September 2022, and she worked hard to recover. As her memorable senior year of high school comes to an end, she’s excited to continue playing softball at Marietta College. Addison’s senior year Some kids […]
Vertebral body tethering is option for scoliosis patients with time to grow
Spinal fusion surgery has long been the gold standard for treating severe scoliosis. But pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Akron Children’s have been finding success with a new surgical technique that holds the promise of preserving the child’s spinal range of motion. This could make a difference for future participation in dance, gymnastics, diving, cheerleading and […]
This healthy toddler’s journey began with a high-risk pregnancy, long NICU stay
Life with 3-year-old Mauro is just about perfect for Gina and Sarah Ginnetti of Boardman. He’s a joyful toddler who loves hockey, dinosaurs, singing nursery rhymes and creating art with Kinetic Sand and Play-Doh®. “He’s funny and smart and can count to 15,” said Sarah. It might be hard for Gina and Sarah to imagine […]
Advanced burn care helps Gianna return to the stage
The 2025 Christmas season didn’t start as planned for the Ivery family of Stow, Ohio. A burn accident put 12-year-old Gianna, a competitive cheerleader, in the hospital. But thanks to her determination and innovative treatment at Akron Children’s, she rejoined her cheer team just a few months later. “It was the first day of winter […]
After 18 surgeries, a 9-year-old steps into her dream of becoming a doctor for a day
Four days after her 18th surgery, Madelyn Trachsel, age 9, walked into Akron Children’s. But today she wasn’t here in her usual capacity as a patient. Instead, she was a doctor in training, stepping into a dream she’s had for many years. “Ever since she was little, she’s said she wants to be a doctor,” […]
