Jackson Mead of North Canton, age 16, is on his high school robotics team and loves to figure out how things work. When he became the first Akron Children’s patient to undergo the TNE procedure, which doesn’t require anesthesia like a traditional “upper endoscopy,” he excitedly asked a lot of questions. Stomach issues start Jackson […]
How food choices and cultural traditions affect kids living with inflammatory bowel disease
For many people, food is more than just nourishment – it’s an expression of who they are. What they eat reflects their traditions, identity and connection to their culture. But for families who have a child living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), navigating food choices can be stressful, especially when beloved cultural dishes trigger symptoms. […]
Helping your child cope with a Crohn’s or colitis diagnosis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that result in inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the colon (large intestine) while Crohn’s disease can affect anywhere in the GI tract. Diagnosing IBD Pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Kevin Watson says that being diagnosed with one of these conditions […]
Gabrielle’s growing, learning and thriving after care for gastroschisis
Before she was born, Gabrielle Richardson of Cuyahoga Falls became an Akron Children’s patient. Thanks to an array of Akron Children’s specialists, a strong support system and lots of prayer, she has exceeded all expectations. A look back In-utero testing showed Gabrielle had gastroschisis. This birth defect occurs when the abdominal wall doesn’t form completely, […]
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 […]
Akron Children’s Bowel Management Clinic helps 8-year-old manage bowel condition
When Lindsey Costain was pregnant with her daughter McKenzie in 2016, everything seemed normal –until a failed stress test at 7½ months led to a referral to Akron Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine department at Aultman Hospital. “I was scared because they thought the baby only had one kidney,” said Lindsey. Though unsettling, doctors reassured […]
