When you are a college decathlete, you are first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. After all, you have 10 events – from sprints and distance races, long and high jumps, hurdles, pole vault and discus and javelin throws – to master. Colin Roberts, 18, is not only thriving as a freshman […]
Patient Stories
Family’s gift of life insurance to support behavioral health services
A recent donation of $1 million from Christopher Thompson and his family – made through a gift of a life insurance policy – will be used to support the programs and services in the Mahoning Valley at the Lois and John Orr Family Behavioral Health Center. The center is home to pediatric behavioral health services […]
Shilla (growth) rods allow young scoliosis patient to continue to grow
At the tender age of 24 hours old, Isaac Lauper underwent his very first surgery at Akron Children’s. Born with spina bifida myelomeningocele (a neural tube defect where the spine is exposed), Isaacs’s spine needed to be surgically closed after birth. Due to many other conditions that are secondary to his spina bifida, Isaac has […]
6 tips for a healthy spine
When parents tell their kids to ‘sit up straight’ it’s about more than just correcting their child’s hunched over appearance. Learning to sit and stand in positions that promote proper body alignment and support the spine are important behaviors to develop early in life. Incorporating physical activity, appropriate footwear, supportive sleep surfaces and good body […]
Dr. Aaron Sweeney scores career goal as pediatrician and sports med physician at Akron Children’s
Working for Akron Children’s is a win-win for Dr. Aaron Sweeney. He gets the opportunity to blend his love of pediatric medicine with his passion for all-things sports. As our newest pediatrician and sports medicine physician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Boardman, Dr. Sweeney is living out his dream to treat children and teens with minor […]
10 tips to help kids deal with school anxiety
For some kids, anxiety can be short-lived nervousness at the start of the school year. For others, school can be a constant source of stress that can lead to intense anxiety. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, school-related anxiety affects 2 to 5 percent of children and teens, commonly between ages 5 […]













