When LaTisha Culler speaks of her late daughter Ayanna (Yanni), it’s easy for those who never met her to feel as if they know her intimately. “I used to call her my little ‘Punky Brewster,’” said LaTisha, a big fan of the TV show. “Yanni danced to her own tune, whatever she felt was right. […]
Narrative medicine, patient journals support patients on their health care journey
As narrative medicine coordinator, Nicole Robinson witnesses on a daily basis the healing power of listening to the stories of our patients, their families and our hospital staff. “Narrative medicine is the use of literary arts to help patients, families and staff tell and listen to stories,” she said. “For children and families, it may […]
Julien creates his own superheroes to help him stay strong against kidney disease
Fourteen-year-old Julien Ford believes that every child fighting kidney disease is a superhero who deserves their own action figure. Through art therapy at Akron Children’s, he’s created action figures who defeat the autoantibodies that attack the kidneys. An 8th grader at Ontario Middle School, Julien has benefitted from all aspects of Akron Children’s expressive therapy […]
Palliative care helps Marissa Anderegg live her best life
There is no shortage of love in the Penrod household. It flows between Lori and Marv Penrod and Marissa Anderegg, their 19-year-old daughter who has several life-threatening conditions. From there, it extends to include Akron Children’s Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, which has made caring for Marissa at home possible. “Palliative Care has always […]
Brandon has a place of his own
Brandon Johnson, 26, knows it’s not every day that a person with medical complexities gets to move into their own apartment but, thanks to his care team at Akron Children’s, Brandon is defying the odds and giving hope to those who have the same goal. “Brandon’s independent living still requires around-the-clock care so we really […]
Nicole Robinson honored by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Nicole Robinson, narrative medicine coordinator, was recently honored with the Humanities Award from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine for her work advancing the relationship between humanities and palliative care and using the discipline to improve end-of-life care through community and professional education. Nicole works under the auspices of the Haslinger Pediatric Palliative […]
