Ellie Horvat, 12, couldn’t catch her breath, even while doing simple activities, like climbing stairs. It started after she contracted COVID-19 in November 2021. COVID can cause trouble breathing, which concerned Ellie and her mom, Sherri Horvat. “We worried that Ellie might have lingering effects from COVID because, months later, she still complained about shortness […]
Advancing cancer care: Scott and Gail Wilkes support Akron Children’s in memory of their daughter, Shannon
Trust. Confidence. Accessibility. These are the words that come to mind when Scott and Gail Wilkes reflect on their experience at Akron Children’s after their daughter, Shannon, was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer called metastatic osteosarcoma. Today, they’re helping to instill those same feelings in others – by expanding treatment and research […]
Making good on a promise: Joseph and Linda Gingo plan a $5 million estate gift for the neonatal intensive care unit of the future
After her son spent weeks in the NICU at Akron Children’s, Linda Gingo told her husband Joe, “If we ever get the chance to give back to the NICU for what they’ve done for us, we must.” More than 50 years later, the Gingos have taken action on that passing comment. Through a planned gift […]
CNP Rachel Sweitzer offers a daily dose of friendliness and comfort
What stands out most about Rachel Sweitzer, CNP? Her kind, friendly and empathetic personality. It’s these important character traits that better help her get to know patients and families on a personal level, offer individualized care and support, and ultimately, create trustworthy relationships. As Akron Children’s newest certified nurse practitioner in our Haslinger Family Pediatric […]
Patient Experience Spotlight: Dr. Lisa Eggleston
Every day at Akron Children’s, we strive to deliver compassionate care and create positive experiences for our patients and families. This month, we’re spotlighting Lisa Eggleston, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Barberton, who recently received the following feedback from a patient family: “I was in a visit with my daughter, and my […]
Social media’s impact on body image
The effects of social media on body image and disordered eating among adolescents are becoming clear, so it’s important for parents to be aware and take steps to blunt the negative influences. That’s the message from Dr. Crystal Cole of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Akron Children’s. New studies are showing a pronounced relationship […]













