Kamini Parekh-Lemme of North Canton recently earned a nursing degree, years after just missing out on her chance to go to medical school.

Sometimes the harder road in life leads to a greater reward. Just ask Kamini Parekh-Lemme of North Canton.

Her dream of nursing began 25 years ago. As a teenager, she graduated from high school and took an exam for entrance to medical school. She missed the required score by a fraction of a point. This led her to earn a degree in architecture, her second choice.

In 1999, her family (a husband and two daughters) moved to Ohio to be closer to family members. Four years ago, she left an abusive marriage and started her new life. This is when her medical dreams came back to her. She enrolled in Lorain County Community College.

Parekh-Lemme now has earned her associate degree in nursing. Students will go on to take the state exam to become registered nurses. Once she officially passes the exam, she will begin work as an RN in the heart and lung transplant floor at Cleveland Clinic.

She also has earned the colleges Florence Nightingale Award. The Nightingale Award recognizes student nurses who give back to the profession, exemplifying the characteristics of Florence Nightingale.

"I had to deal with immigration issues, a divorce, three moves, working full-time with myself and both of my daughters (Tosha and Disha) all in college at one point, and I got married last June," she said. She is remarried to Don and now has a son named Kyle.

"And I thank God for giving me strength, wisdom and the persistence to pull through" Parehk-Lemme stated.

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The University of Mount Union has earned the honor of being named a national College of Distinction. This marks the third consecutive year for the award.

They received special recognition for its programs in education, engineering and nursing due to their comprehensive course material as well as practical and soft-skills development.

The university was also honored for its work in career development for students upon their graduation.

"We complete a thorough review of the programs before granting the honors," said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. "Were looking for qualities such as accreditation, breadth of program, advising and mentoring, integration of career services and successful outcomes for students. Its wonderful to see how Mount Union really exemplifies these qualities."

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The Mercy Sleep Disorders Center has been recognized for excellence by the American Association of Sleep Medicine Accreditation.

They are recognized for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with sleep disorders and includes the Mercy Sleep Disorder Centers, located at Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Health Center of Jackson.

Sleep centers accredited by the AASM must demonstrate a commitment to the highest quality of care in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. AASM accredited facilities have a board-certified sleep medicine physician, who leads a sleep team of trained health care professionals.

To become accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep centers must comply with the AASM Standards for Accreditation, the gold standard for patient care in the sleep field. These requirements incorporate the latest diagnostic and treatment advances, and these standards ensure that sleep centers provide high quality, patient-centered care.

"Mercy is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our sleep disorder patients so we are very pleased to again earn the American Association of Sleep Medicines accreditation," said Jackie Paulik, RRT/RCP, BS, Administrative Director, Respiratory, Sleep Neurology and Vascular Services at Mercy Medical Center. "This accreditation is a testament to our dedication and achievements in the sleep field and I am very proud of our teams."

Send tips about acts of kindness, anecdotes, honors or other items of interest to Necole Sims, Around Town, The Repository, 500 Market Ave. S, Canton OH 44702, necole.sims@cantonrep.com, or fax them to 330-454-5745.

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Around Town: North Canton woman reaches her medical goal - Canton Repository