A Magazine from Akron Children's
On Sept. 23, the second annual “More childhood, please.” awards showcased the power of people of all ages who impact kids and families in their communities.
“We take great pride in helping the kids of our region grow up safe and healthy,” said Chris Gessner, Akron Children’s president and CEO. “But we cannot do it alone. These awards recognize the great work of wonderful people and organizations who join us in putting kids first.”
Congratulations to this years honorees:
Through his organization, NEO Youth Elite, Sonny runs basketball camps, skill development sessions and sports showcases. By creating safe and supervised spaces, he ensures young athletes have a constructive outlet that keeps them active and focused. The kids also benefit from connecting with mentors and learning from positive role models.
As volunteer coordinator at St. Mary Akron School Enrichment Center, Deborah has grown the after-school program into a vital community partnership that supports students academically and emotionally. The retired lawyer and former Peace Corps volunteer began organizing the program in 2017 to match volunteers with students, helping them with everything from
tutoring to mentoring life skills.
Jodi, a Wayne County Sheriff’s deputy and school resource officer at Triway Local Schools, works to keep students safe. She cares about their well-being and works to build strong relationships with them. Jodi has led projects like Kindness Month at the high school, a buyback program to reduce vaping and safety demonstrations that teach students about the dangers of impaired driving.
Carrie and Eric Jacobs got devastating news in 2015 that their 5-year-old daughter, Kylie Rose, had cancer. Thankfully, Kylie survived and remains cancer-free today. Her family created a foundation that has raised more than $400,000 and donated 7,000 “Kylie’s Bags of Love” to Akron Children’s patients.
As the lead advanced practice provider for Akron Children’s School-Based Health Center, Teresa has improved healthcare access and outcomes for more than 24,000 students across 24 Ohio school districts. She has contributed to growing school-based asthma treatment protocols, starting scoliosis screenings and supporting a behavioral health program in Akron Public Schools.
For more than 30 years, Victory Gallop has provided innovative equine therapy programs. The children and teens Victory Gallop serves have chronic illnesses, behavioral disorders and other concerns. Beyond the farm, Victory Gallop was the first program certified in the U.S. to bring a therapy pony into hospitals including Akron Children’s.
For the past six years, 14-year-old CJ and 12-year-old Cree McAfee have planned and operated a lemonade stand. The brothers donate all of their profits — around $22,000 so far — to Stark County kids with cancer. The lemonade stand, located in a Whipple Avenue parking lot, now includes food, cookies donated by local bakeries and social media attention. The lemonade stand has become a much-anticipated event every June.
From inspiring stories, to medical miracles, the More childhood, please.® magazine will make you appreciate those precious 6,574 days of childhood.
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