As a child life specialist at Akron Children’s Outpatient Surgery Center in Beachwood, Lauren Armstrong helps patients and their families cope before, during and after a surgical procedure. By using terminology that children can understand, as well as medical play with some of the equipment that will be used, Lauren makes a child’s surgery less […]
Follow along through ear tube surgery
When August Sigler, 22 months, had 4 ear infections in less than 6 months, his pediatrician referred him to Akron Children’s Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Center. After meeting with Dr. Terry Good, pediatric otolaryngologist, August was scheduled for one of the most common pediatric surgeries, ear tube insertion and adenoid removal. In most cases, […]
Sensory rooms and mobile sensory carts help create a calming patient environment
A visit to the hospital can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for any child, especially for those with autism spectrum disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders or behavioral health disorders. To help ease their anxieties and create a more positive patient experience, Akron Children’s has sensory rooms on both our Akron and Beeghly campuses. In Akron, the […]
From patient to volunteer to employee, Dan Yeric finds his true calling at Akron Children’s
In many ways, Akron Children’s feels like home to Dan Yeric. Born with spina bifida, he spent a lot of time in the hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries and receiving care from a variety of specialists. As a teen, he became a volunteer in 1993, eventually landing his current position as activities assistant in 2006. When […]
More Than a Job: Child life specialist role supports patients and families
While March is recognized nationally as Child Life Month, Akron Children’s celebrates the important work our child life specialists do every day to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. “We play an integral role on the health care team helping families navigate any part of the health care experience, whether that’s […]
Meet Henry, a superhero who uses knowledge to zap kids’ medical anxiety
With his mask and cape, Henry would fit in well with the “Incredibles” family. But instead of the big screen, Henry’s super-hero deeds are coming to the aid of Akron Children’s patients. Henry is the inspiration behind the “Hope for Henry” Foundation, which offers “super rewards for super kids,” preparing for medical procedures like an […]
