One of the dreaded complications of sickle cell disease happens when sickle-shaped red blood cells cause large amounts of blood to pool in the spleen. It happened to Karson George of Canton in August 2019, when he was 9 months old. Normal red blood cells are round and flexible, allowing them to flow easily through […]
Perseverance keeps Pano achieving goals after cancer treatment
Like a story out of Greek mythology, Pano Tsarouhas’s cancer journey started in Greece, but his battle with Ewing’s sarcoma was defeated in Ohio. While on vacation in Greece, Pano came down with a fever. After returning home, he had an appointment at Pediatrics of Akron expecting an antibiotic would help him feel better. “Dr. […]
Kamryn continues to show sickle cell disease who’s boss.
In the fall or 2020, we introduced you to Kamryn who was hoping to celebrate her first birthday and first anniversary of no pain episodes due to her sickle cell disease. On Sickle Cell Awareness Day, we’re happy to report she was able to celebrate both! While COVID-19 kept many of us from doing ordinary things, it […]
National Siblings Day gives the Gabriel sisters another reason to celebrate
The Gabriels have always been a close family. The family of 8, which includes 6 girls who are close in age, is used to the attention they attract. “Our maiden name was Gabriel and even the priest at our parents’ church joked with our mom and dad,” said Beth Diefendorff, nurse clinician in hematology/oncology. “He […]
Siblings with blood disorder can now see their providers virtually
The coronavirus pandemic has brought changes to health care, including one in particular that has made life a little bit easier and safer for the Workinger family of Wadsworth. Three Workinger children have an inherited blood disorder. For the first time this year, the kids were able to use telehealth services to see their providers […]
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 […]
