In this local production, families share stories of unthinkable journeys — caring for their own seriously ill or dying children. With open hearts, seven families discuss their close partnerships with the Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center at Akron Children’s Hospital. There, they find love, joy and purpose through the lives of their special children.

For more than 10 years, the hospital’s Palliative Care Center has been providing care for children facing complex, chronic and potentially life-threatening medical conditions. That care is created by offering any service or discipline needed by the child or the family — whether physical, medical, emotional or spiritual.

PORTRAITS OF LIFE, LOVE & LEGACY THROUGH PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE was inspired by the extraordinary spirit and legacy of countless children and families who have traveled the long and winding road of severe illness and disability. It is also a testament to the compassion and dedication of palliative care team members who have helped the families navigate the complexities of care.

The goal of the film is to increase awareness and understanding of palliative care as a specialty in health care and also as a generalized approach to care. It showcases what care can be and should be for every family facing these challenges. Ultimately, the mission is to have pediatric palliative care services available for all children who need them. The program at Akron Children’s Hospital is presented as a model of care that can be successfully developed and sustained in communities and pediatric hospitals across the country.

Produced through a partnership of Akron Children’s Hospital, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Joshua Tree Productions, this educational film is appropriate for current and future health care professionals, educators, health care administrators, legislators and the community.

A PBS Western Reserve production, 2013.