In 2011, Bruce Cohen, MD, joined Akron Children’s to open a program and pursue work in clinical trials to advance mitochondrial medicine at a time when funding for this research was in its infancy. “Frankly, a lot of the large institutions weren’t interested in studying these diseases,” he said. “It wasn’t because it wasn’t important, […]
Leading by example: Mom helps daughter find her way with a career at Akron Children’s
Two years ago, Lily Heath, psychometrist in Akron Children’s Neurobehavioral Health, found herself at a crossroads. As she prepared to graduate from The University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology, she realized the career she had chosen was not right for her. “I thought I wanted to become a police […]
Despite his physical challenges, 19-year-old is fulfilling his dream of harvesting America’s vast farmlands
Cooper Meshew has certainly had his ups and downs in his 19 years but, right now, he is up – way up in the seat of a John Deere row crop tractor in Valentine, Nebraska. Cooper, who was diagnosed at age 10 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), a degenerative nerve disease, checked off a “bucket list” item […]
Work time is playtime for Akron Children’s CNP Sarah Harris
What’s the easiest part of CNP Sarah Harris’ job? Playing with kids, of course! Lucky for her, she spends her days doing exactly that as Akron Children’s newest certified nurse practitioner in our NeuroDevelopmental Science Center. A big part of a child’s neurologic exam involves observing children play and interact with their surroundings. And, the […]
Maynard Family Foundation establishes chair in neurodevelopmental sciences at Akron Children’s
After every visit to Akron Children’s, philanthropist and Akron business leader Philip H. Maynard would share stories about children he met. “You should’ve seen the kiddos,” he would tell family and co-workers. Phil passed away in 2021, but the Maynard Family Foundation has ensured that its namesake’s concern for children carries on in his absence. […]
Inclusion is key to Piper’s legacy
Some people spend years trying to find their mission in life. For sweet Piper Grace Hoefler, it took just 27 days. Piper passed away from the effects of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 0, but her legacy lives on in books about inclusion donated by her family’s charitable organization, Piper’s Key. “I didn’t want to […]