In medicine, the smallest symptoms can lead a sick child to a major diagnosis. Noxx Yager was showing difficulty with potty training, mobility, and sleep patterns. After an initial evaluation for ADHD, his family noticed a sacral dimple on his back, which led to a tethered spinal cord diagnosis in February 2024 at just 5 years old.

After a major surgery in March of that year, Noxx continued to experience spinal fluid leaks, shunt issues, and constant sickness. After reaching a breaking point, the Yager family headed 3 hours to Cleveland from Shadyside, OH for a second opinion. This led them to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.

It was social workers at UH Rainbow that referred the Yagers to Ronald McDonald House, which Noxx’s mother, Tara, recognized from their local McDonald’s. Coming from so far away and not wanting to constantly pay for hotels, the family’s transition to Cleveland Ronald McDonald House was quick and seamless.  Noxx’s continued difficulties in his back and intermittent appointments had the family staying at the Cleveland House for about four weeks total.

Despite the uncertainty, pain, and chronic stress Noxx’s parents experienced with a sick child in the hospital, the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House gave Noxx a place to be himself.

Described by his mother as hyper, hilarious, and hopeful, Noxx was able to forget about the hospital when he was reminded of the trees he drew, the Bingo rounds he won, and the bracelets he made with volunteers at Ronald McDonald House. When a person is welcomed into Noxx’s world, he cares for them wholeheartedly, and Noxx was able to connect with so many.

The family especially loved the passes to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and Great Lakes Science Center. They fondly remember the salad bar and 8:30 a.m. lollipop visits with Miss Stacey at the Cleveland House. Diet Cokes and boxed lunches at UH Rainbow Family Room were always available, making long days in the hospital that much easier.

The family never felt like they were missing something, trapping their child in a hospital room, or needing to pay for a hotel. Instead, they were given the opportunity to simply be present – a feeling the Yager family has never taken for granted.

The Yagers continue to support the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House through donating, collecting 278 pounds of pull tabs in just a few months, and sharing their story. While Noxx still struggles with nerve damage and his untethered shunt, he is now on a routine schedule with his doctors, and remains as hyper, hilarious, and hopeful as ever.