After a year of managing a brain cancer diagnosis, dozens of surgeries and relentless medical treatments, Cerriana (14) of Alliance was hopeful the worst was behind her. When she learned her cancer was back, she didn’t know if she had the strength to do it all again, but she knew she had something to say […]
Sickle cell disease almost cost this boy his life. ‘It’s nothing to play with,’ mom says
One of the dreaded complications of sickle cell disease happens when sickle-shaped red blood cells cause large amounts of blood to pool in the spleen. It happened to Karson George of Canton in August 2019, when he was 9 months old. Normal red blood cells are round and flexible, allowing them to flow easily through […]
Siblings with blood disorder can now see their providers virtually
The coronavirus pandemic has brought changes to health care, including one in particular that has made life a little bit easier and safer for the Workinger family of Wadsworth. Three Workinger children have an inherited blood disorder. For the first time this year, the kids were able to use telehealth services to see their providers […]
Reyanna’s cancer battle inspires her to help others
Reyanna Putnam has faced cancer and beaten it … twice. Next, she wants to help other kids by becoming a pediatric oncologist. And the college junior is well on her way to achieving that. The Akron native and Firestone Community Learning Center graduate is the first recipient of the 33 JordynStrong Survivor Scholarship. The Canton-based […]
National Cancer Survivor Month: E.J.’s story
Miami University student E.J. Coulas has been in remission for 12 years after battling an aggressive type of leukemia. The disease struck before he was old enough to understand it. He was in treatment for more than 3 years, yet he says his memories are mostly positive. “When I was a kid, I didn’t think […]
Cancer and blood disorder patients enjoy night with Santa
As a picturesque snowfall gently fell outside, many of the Mahoning Valley’s bravest children and their families celebrated the holidays inside. It was an evening to just be a child. To temporarily let go of the painful and stressful times … and instead just have some fun. Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley’s annual Hematology-Oncology holiday […]
