In 2015, John and Denise Hirschbeck formed the Magic of Michael Foundation in honor of their son Michael, who died of a rare neurological disease called adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in 2014. The goal of their foundation is to help families facing life’s curveballs – a nod to Michael’s love of baseball and John’s longtime Major League […]
Pink Floyd tribute band hopes to hit fundraising milestone in support of Akron Children’s pediatric palliative care fund
When the Pink Floyd tribute band, Wish You Were Here: The Sight & Sound of Pink Floyd, takes the stage at Akron Civic Theatre on June 21, a great show will be promised. But everyone involved sees the evening as a time to celebrate and push for a fundraising milestone. This is the ninth benefit […]
Mother shares how bonds with Akron Children’s palliative care team lifted her family through their darkest days
When LaTisha Culler speaks of her late daughter Ayanna (Yanni), it’s easy for those who never met her to feel as if they know her intimately. “I used to call her my little ‘Punky Brewster,’” said LaTisha, a big fan of the TV show. “Yanni danced to her own tune, whatever she felt was right. […]
A little boy with cancer wishes for a baby sister – and despite all odds – she is on her way
Disney trips, celebrity meetings and other grand adventures usually top the list when 6-year-old boys with cancer are approached by wish-granting organizations. Liam Whitworth, of Doylestown, asked for a baby sister. And she is on the way. Liam has named his baby sister, Zoey, and their story is one that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. […]
Researchers get a global audience for work on narrative medicine
A team from Akron Children’s recently presented at the 21st Communication, Medicine, and Ethics (COMET) Conference at the University of Cork, in Cork, Ireland. The presentation was on “Integrating Narrative Medicine in a Pediatric Clinical Setting: Understanding the Illness Experience of Children While Improving Health Outcomes.” Akron Children’s has one of the few hospital-based narrative […]
Palliative care helps Marissa Anderegg live her best life
There is no shortage of love in the Penrod household. It flows between Lori and Marv Penrod and Marissa Anderegg, their 19-year-old daughter who has several life-threatening conditions. From there, it extends to include Akron Children’s Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, which has made caring for Marissa at home possible. “Palliative Care has always […]
