What’s in a number? Well, if you’re 12-year-old Devyn Emmons, it’s time. Time spent at Akron Children’s. The number “43” is how many surgeries he’s had to date with more on the way. “I’m not sure why I started counting in the first place,” said Crystal Emmons, Devyn’s mom. “When he was in the NICU […]
Patient Stories
After skull reconstruction, Fitz’ brain has room to grow
Matt and Mallory Beres keep a large black-and-white photo taken shortly after their 9-month-old son, Fitz, emerged from surgery in December. In the photo, Mallory is hunched over a hospital crib cocooning Fitz, who had been under anesthesia for 8 hours as surgeons reconstructed the front of his skull. Mallory wanted to make sure Fitz […]
MyChart’s Share Everywhere improves continuity of care
Akron Children’s understands the importance of communication and information sharing between your doctors. Not only does it enable providers to get to the heart of the matter more quickly, but most importantly, it also results in improved health for patients. That’s why Akron Children’s recently released new functionality in MyChart called Share Everywhere. After all, […]
Book, movie ‘Wonder’ offer powerful messages about acceptance, kindness
It can be tough to be different, especially during the middle school years. So think of the trials and tribulations a child with a facial deformity faces during adolescence. The award-wining book “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio explores this issue from the perspective of a 10-year-old boy with a severe craniofacial disorder as well as […]
Chaplaincy services shares a message of peace on the Akron campus
Karen Ballard, director of chaplaincy services, understands the importance of raising awareness about the diverse population we serve at the hospital. “By providing educational opportunities about cultures and religions that we encounter at Akron Children’s, our staff can better assist the patients we serve, “she said. “They have the chance to become educated and gain […]
Helping teens tame that negative inner voice
It’s a struggle sometimes to shut down that voice of negativity in your head. Vulnerable teens especially can fall into the trap of seeing everything through a pessimistic lens. But you can help your teen see things differently, said Akron Children’s psychologist Kevin Triemstra. Reframing negative thinking can have a positive impact on emotional health […]












