Maze Crooks of Bay Village was born with a heart defect called a “secundum atrial septal defect (ASD).” This is a hole in the middle of the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. Maze’s aunt and uncle, Amy and Ray Cebulis, began caring for him around age 2. They became Maze’s legal […]
Garrett bursts with energy after two open-heart surgeries
Liz Balizet of Navarre, Ohio didn’t realize the great pediatric care that’s available in northeast Ohio until her first child was diagnosed with a complex heart condition. Liz’s 20-week ultrasound showed problems with her baby boy’s heart. She and her husband, Jake, received a referral to the Akron Children’s Heart Center. “We went out to […]
From prenatal heart diagnosis to graduation
It’s a special time for 18-year-old Ian Cadwallader. He recently graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School and will start college in the fall at The Ohio State University Mansfield Campus. While he’s focused on the future, he’s also taking time to look back on his life. That includes care he’s received from before birth at […]
Sam smiles and sings, despite Marfan syndrome challenges
Sam Jimenez was born prematurely at 32 weeks’ gestation, weighing 6 pounds and 12 ounces. He grew significantly, and at age 6, his pediatrician referred him to an orthopedic specialist for bone problems often connected to Marfan syndrome. The genetic disorder affects the body’s connective tissue, which holds cells, tissues and organs together – and […]
Determined 2-year-old lights up recently opened New Philadelphia Health Center
Jaxon Britton is not even 2 yet and he’s already developed a reputation for marching to the beat of his own drum. “He’s a unique kid, what can we say?” his mother, Bridget said. Jaxon has defied the odds multiple times and lived to smile about it. He’s been through more serious health issues than […]
