1 in 10 babies in the US is born premature. On May 7, 2021, our tiny miracle, Emma Anne, was born at only 34 weeks, weighing 4lbs 13oz. We spent the longest 24 days of our lives in Summa's Akron Children's Hospital NICU, Room #6.1 to be exact. The NICU nurses and Doctors provided knowledge and comfort when we were scared out of our minds. They cared for our girl like she was their own. We are forever grateful for them and every member of Emma's care team.

This will be our second year taking part in Walk for Babies, and we hope Emma's Entourage will continue to grow each year! We walk for Emma - and for ALL of the NICU warriors! 

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who registers to walk with us (wear your scarlet & gray), donates, and continues to send your love and prayers.  - Shawn, Melissa & Emma

In 2017, Walk for Babies hit a milestone of over $1 Million dollars raised since 2008.  Without the support of community members like you, Akron Children’s Hospital would not be able to supply the needed assistance to patients and their families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Akron Children's Hospital's NICU treats 1,800 children annually and is nationally ranked according to U.S News & World Report.

Walk for Babies was created by one family and now has the support of over 1,700 participants, plus their friends and family. As we look towards the future, our goal is to continue to create a community event that makes an impact on local patients for many years to come.  

Akron Children’s Hospital is the largest pediatric healthcare provider in Northeast Ohio and provides care through more than 1,100,000 outpatient visits per year. Care is delivered at hospital campuses in Akron and the Mahoning Valley or in one of 27 pediatrician offices or 80 pediatric specialty locations across the region. Through gifts like yours, the hospital is able to purchase vital medical equipment, offer programs that bring extra comfort to families during difficult times and fund innovative research that helps identify new ways of diagnosing and treating illnesses.

Thank you for your support of Akron Children’s mission and dedication to improving the health of the communities served.  We look forward to you joining us on Sunday, September 17, 2023.