In the world of philanthropy, few stories illustrate the power of generational giving like that of Dave and Martha Showers. The retired CEO of Wayne Homes and his wife have not only donated millions to Akron Children’s but have also instilled a passion for helping children in their family, ensuring their impact endures. Dave, now […]
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, […]
Cleveland Magazine’s “Best Doctors” include 24 Akron Children’s providers
Every year, Cleveland Magazine publishes a list of the best doctors in northeast Ohio. Doctors complete a survey to evaluate and nominate their peers for this recognition. Congratulations to these Akron Children’s providers who made the 2025 Best Doctors list: Scott Boulanger, MD – Pediatric General Surgeon Jessica Castonguay, DO, MPH – Adolescent Medicine Specialist […]
West Virginia mom’s intuition leads to lifesaving diagnosis for her son
As a licensed practical nurse and mom of 2, Jennifer Castleberry has long relied on her instincts. But nothing tested them quite like the mysterious, lingering symptoms that plagued her energetic 8-year-old son, Negan. For months, Negan battled recurring respiratory issues. Then came the night wakings, leg pain and headaches. Jennifer’s concern grew despite rounds […]
Three sisters with hemophilia thrive
Mindy and Geoff Miller of Uniontown have four kids. Three are girls, and they have the bleeding disorder called hemophilia. “Geoff has hemophilia, and we were always told there was a good chance he’d pass it along to our girls,” Mindy said. “They would be carriers, and their future sons could have hemophilia because their […]













