For most kids, a stay in the hospital isn’t enjoyable. In fact, it can be scary. Former Akron Children’s employee Amanda Adey and her family know what comes with frequent visits to the hospital and hospital stays. Her 10-year-old daughter, Lyndee, spent the first three months of her life in the PICU for heart defects. […]
Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival is a family affair for volunteers
Jolea Swann’s journey to the Holiday Tree Festival began when her daughter Becky experienced a neurological emergency. Sitting in Becky’s hospital room at Akron Children’s Hospital, Jolea was approached by Marilyn McGuckin, director of volunteers, about helping with a tree on a patient floor. “Marilyn suggested I start volunteering while Becky was sick. It would […]
Canton family uses a winning mix of luck, love & bingo funds to fill hospital shelves with toys
Several times a year, a large truck pulls up to the doors of Akron Children’s Hospital and boxes and boxes of toys are unloaded. Each arrival is like its own Christmas morning. The dolls, construction sets, action figures, fluffy friends, craft kits, classic board games, and “it” toys of the moment will cheer hospitalized patients […]
As a hospital volunteer, Chryse supports and inspires others
Filled with colorful butterflies and blooming flowers, Chryse Brown’s paintings reflect her creative nature and cheerful spirit. “People tell me that I paint happiness,” she said. “I’m full of imagination.” As a painter, Chryse’s art captures joy and inspires others – and the same can be said of her work as a volunteer at Akron […]
From patient to volunteer to employee, Richard’s journey at Akron Children’s comes full circle
When entering the second floor of Akron Children’s Considine Professional Building, patient families are greeted by a friendly face: Richard Redmond. As a guest attendant in Volunteer Services, Richard welcomes patients and families to the hospital and helps them find their way. Born with cerebral palsy (CP), a congenital disorder that affects a person’s ability […]
