Tabitha and Tori Smith share more than a last name. These sisters, who both currently work at Akron Children’s, are on a journey to becoming registered nurses (RNs) together. Enrolled at Stark State College, they are set to graduate in 2025. Tori’s desire to become a nurse is deeply personal and stems from her childhood […]
Meet Henry, a superhero who uses knowledge to zap kids’ medical anxiety
With his mask and cape, Henry would fit in well with the “Incredibles” family. But instead of the big screen, Henry’s super-hero deeds are coming to the aid of Akron Children’s patients. Henry is the inspiration behind the “Hope for Henry” Foundation, which offers “super rewards for super kids,” preparing for medical procedures like an […]
Pano is seeing cancer care from a new perspective
Five summers ago, Pano Tsarouhas (18) came to the Shower’s Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders as a patient. He’s back at Akron Children’s this summer, but now he’s learning what it’s like to sit across from patients as a provider. “I wanted to shadow Dr. Hord to help me evaluate different paths […]
They ‘graduated’ cancer and are now graduating high school
Five high school seniors recently gathered in downtown Akron for photos but there was no time to linger once the last image was snapped. They dashed to rescheduled softball games, spring musicals and other social engagements – just as it should be. The busy lives of teens about to embark on the world is not […]
CNP Allison Fischer hits the high note of her career after joining Akron Children’s
If it weren’t for a successful career as a certified nurse practitioner in Akron Children’s Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancers and Blood Disorders, Allison Fischer would be an instrumentalist. After her great uncle recently fell ill, he gifted her with his guitar to continue to fill the family with music. Though she has only […]
Cancer patient’s beach-inspired tree is small in stature but big on love
While the bright lights and sparkle of the Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival may be virtual this year, the heart-warming stories that bring many of the trees to life are still very real, like Addison Tolley’s brave battle with cancer. Bright-eyed and active Addison was home rehabbing a torn ligament in her knee when her […]