The Legend of Pip
135 years ago when two groups of women began the Akron Day Nursery to care for children, advocacy for more childhood became the standard in Akron, Ohio. The nursery would continue to grow its services over the years, and it eventually became what is now known as Akron Children’s.
Led by Akron Children’s health system in collaboration with its partners, patient families and others, the improvement of children’s health in northeast Ohio became a community affair. In addition to clinical care, many other ways emerged to have positive impacts on more childhood. Though many couldn’t quite put a finger on it, they knew it when they saw the joy on their kids' faces. So, they’d simply long for more, “more childhood, please.”
Then one day in 2025 at Akron Children’s, it all appeared in the form of a fluffy, fun-loving, colorful character. It represented the many thoughts, actions, feelings and experiences that resulted from nature and nurture, making up more childhood.
It needed a name.
So, the Akron Children’s staff got together and gave their thoughts on the perfect name: Pip.
Truth is, Pip has been around for some time. Whether it was a child’s beaming smile as they glided on a swing, their delighted squeals as they rolled in the autumn leaves, or the sparkle in their eyes as they first set sight on a shiny new bike. Anytime, anywhere a child enjoys a moment of more childhood, Pip is there.
Pip is more childhood … personified.
We know this because like Pip, Akron Children’s has always done everything possible to ensure that every child is able to experience more childhood! It’s in our Promises! It’s also why Pip showed up on our doorstep and made a home here with that curly-Q tail and honker of a nose.
But what about you? What’s in your promise?
We ask, because to the best of our knowledge, Pip appears to each of us as we would envision more childhood.
Now that Pip is here at Akron Children’s, there will be even more moments where children and their families get to experience more childhood. From patient room visits and special events to happy encounters just strolling through the hallways, Pip seeks ways to share this message in a visit with you and your community.
