In 2015, John and Denise Hirschbeck formed the Magic of Michael Foundation in honor of their son Michael, who died of a rare neurological disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in 2014. The goal of their foundation is to help families facing life’s curveballs – a nod to Michael’s love of baseball and John’s longtime Major League […]
Ashland baby is Akron Children’s first NICU 22-week preemie to survive in 14 years
Megan Wolbert works at Wooster Community Hospital as a sonographer. When she started having contractions in March at 22 weeks of her pregnancy, she was glad to be at work surrounded by medical caregivers and resources. When an initial exam showed she was already in active labor, she knew enough to assume she and her […]
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, […]
Pink Floyd tribute band hopes to hit fundraising milestone in support of Akron Children’s pediatric palliative care fund
When the Pink Floyd tribute band, Wish You Were Here: The Sight & Sound of Pink Floyd, takes the stage at Akron Civic Theatre on June 21, a great show will be promised. But everyone involved sees the evening as a time to celebrate and push for a fundraising milestone. This is the ninth benefit […]
Good Mourning Support Group helps four generations of family navigate grief
Since 2005, the Good Mourning Support Group at Akron Children’s has provided a compassionate space for children and families to navigate their grief together. According to the group’s facilitator, Nancy Carst, LISW-S, CT, who is also one of the hospital’s bereavement coordinators, “The program is designed to help children, and their parents and extended families, […]
Mother shares how bonds with Akron Children’s palliative care team lifted her family through their darkest days
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. […]
