From staff nurse to educator, Denise Saraniti has worn many hats since joining Akron Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 1981. She also embraced the dual roles of proud mother and collaborator when her daughter, Krista, joined Akron Children’s as a child life specialist. Their close relationship sparked greater awareness and interdepartmental collaboration. […]
Wynn’s inspiring journey from preemie to respiratory therapist
Wynn Stoller gives Akron Children’s families hope just by walking in the door. Why? Because he’s gone from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patient to a Respiratory Therapist – training he received through the Career Launch program. Early arrival Wynn entered the world Dec. 14, 2002. Born at 24 weeks, he weighed just 1 […]
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, […]
Diane Pitts reaches 50-year milestone as a nurse
Diane Pitts didn’t begin her nursing career in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But once she took a leap of faith to become a NICU nurse, she found her professional home. Her early career Diane started at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, working in the recovery room for 11 1/2 years. “My best friend […]
Service with a smile: Sarnetta Bradshaw retires
Sarnetta Bradshaw, surgery aide, finds fulfillment in service both at work and at home. Sarnetta started her journey at Akron Children’s 35 years ago in Environmental Services (EVS) before moving into a surgical aide position in 1999. From her EVS work in the NICU to comforting patients heading to the operating room (OR), Sarnetta’s positive […]
Josie Greco thrives 12 years after kidney transplant
Josie Greco has been beating the odds since her birth on April 30, 2008. You may remember her as an Akron Children’s superhero patient for the 2017 Akron Marathon Race Series. Now at age 17, Josie continues to make her mark on the world. Josie survived a traumatic birth, arriving 11 weeks early and weighing […]
