When Alison Speelman learned she was pregnant in the fall 2023, it was a total surprise. But a bigger surprise was yet to come. “I had my first ultrasound at 7 weeks, and that’s when we found out we were having twins,” she said. “My husband, Josh, and I didn’t speak on the ride home […]
Nurse practitioner organizes teddy bear clinic for kids with Down syndrome
Two organizations are near and dear to Emergency Room (ER) Nurse Practitioner Carrie Litten’s heart: Akron Children’s and GiGi’s Playhouse. She recently brought those organizations together by coordinating a hands-on learning experience. Carrie’s event was the first teddy bear clinic for school-aged kids with Down syndrome at GiGi’s Playhouse in Cleveland. GiGi’s Playhouse is a […]
Akron Children’s nurse finds support and advocacy for son with Down syndrome
Hilary Tonni’s connection to Akron Children’s runs deep. Not only has she worked here for the last 16 years (currently as a clinical research nurse), it’s also the place she seeks care for her 8-year-old son, Gabe, who has Down syndrome. Hilary’s journey with Gabe began with a 20-week ultrasound that hinted at the possibility […]
Akron mom is a fierce advocate, cheerleader for 2 young children with special needs
Sharmba Varner begins her workday at 4:30 a.m. and, for this mom of four, including two children with special needs, life rarely pauses for one minute until her early evening bedtime. That’s fine with Sharmba. Even though having a daughter on the autism spectrum and a son with Down syndrome means days filled with extra […]
