Going to an indoor water park was on Alexis Walsh’s birthday bucket list. Alexis, who turned 14 in October, 2023, thought it would be fun, especially riding rafts down the slides with her family. During Christmas break, Alexis fulfilled her wish and enjoyed a mini family vacation to a local water park. The outing was […]
Akron Children’s employee publishes book, shares breast cancer journey
In 2017, at just 36 years old, Shelly Vaughn learned she had breast cancer. Although she knew she was at higher risk of developing it since her mother was diagnosed with the disease just 3 years earlier, she said the news still felt unexpected and disorienting. “I went through the motions and heard the words […]
Living her best life – robotic arm helps girl with transverse myelitis gain independence
Emmie Wanzer, age 11, likes to do things for herself. Paralyzed at age 2 with transverse myelitis, Emmie hasn’t let that stop her from living her life to the fullest. A quadriplegic, with no feeling from the neck down, Emmie operates her motorized wheelchair with a tilt of her head. “Independence is a big deal […]
Annie’s Super Strength
With her larger-than-life personality, Annie, 6, has always had an unbreakable spirit despite her medical conditions. At her mom’s 5-month ultra sound, Annie’s arms and legs were measuring smaller than a typical baby. Specialists thought she may have achondroplasia (dwarfism), but genetic testing and additional scans revealed more concerns. Doctors detected healing breaks in her […]
Putting a stop to stuttering
From the first utterances of “mama” and “dada” to poignant questions like, “Why is the sky blue?,” a child’s speech development is one of her most important and exciting milestones. For as many as 5% of toddlers, however, this development may be hindered by the use of repeated words, phrases or drawn out syllables that […]
Determined 2-year-old lights up recently opened New Philadelphia Health Center
Jaxon Britton is not even 2 yet and he’s already developed a reputation for marching to the beat of his own drum. “He’s a unique kid, what can we say?” his mother, Bridget said. Jaxon has defied the odds multiple times and lived to smile about it. He’s been through more serious health issues than […]
