When Sarah and Terrell Richardson received the news their daughter, Gabrielle, had gastroschisis, they had no idea what it was or how to help her. Their questions led them at Akron Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine where they were connected with specialists and a care plan before Gabrielle arrived. “We met with specialists regularly to keep […]
Why are growth plates such a big deal?
If you’re familiar with the lyrics to the children’s song, Dem Bones, then you probably already know the knee bone is connected to the thigh bone. But did you know the thigh bone is one of the 4 long bones in the body (along with the bones in the lower leg/shin and upper arm and […]
Hands down, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Russo enjoys most helping kids restore function
Without question, Dr. Stephanie Russo’s most memorable moment was witnessing a preschooler hug her mom the minute her cast from shoulder surgery was removed. Through tears of joy, her mom explained it was the very first time her daughter was able to give her a real hug. It’s moments like this that remind Dr. Russo […]
Born clubfooted, Giabella runs like the wind
Eight-year-old Giabella Hagerman is a speedster on the soccer field and on the base paths. Nobody would guess that she learned to run while wearing a metal brace between her feet. She was born with clubfoot, a deformity in which her feet were turned inward and pointed down. Her parents, Brian and Amy Hagerman, learned […]
Nehemiah defies the odds
Born at just 26 weeks old and 1 lb. 12 oz., tiny Nehemiah let his mom know he was going to be okay. “He came out crying so I knew he was going to be something special,” said Leslie, Nehemiah’s mom. “He had a hole in his heart, a serious brain bleed and seizures. The […]
Allatzas family takes a few journeys with clubfoot one step at a time
Clubfoot was not on Renee Allatzas’ radar the day her daughter, Sophia, was born 6 years ago. But when this diagnosis was made for not one but 2 of her 7 children, the Stroke Unit Nurse Manager at Aultman Hospital made it her mission to learn everything about it. Renee’s research took her to Dr. […]
