Noah presents his design-winning jersey at the RubberDucks Akron Children’s Survivor Night game held on Aug. 8.
This fall, Noah Kotlarek started sixth grade at Buckeye Intermediate School in Medina. He’s part of the travel soccer program, a huge Star Wars fan and a dedicated gamer. At just 11 years old, he is also facing his third battle with cancer.
A tough journey
In July 2022, 8-year-old Noah began experiencing troubling symptoms that led to a diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare cancer that starts in the bones and soft tissue.
Noah’s Cup, an annual event created by the Buckeye High School soccer team, collects toys, blankets and gift cards for hospitalized kids in Noah’s honor.
Doctors found a mass on his right kidney, and Noah endured 35 days of inpatient chemotherapy that fall, followed by outpatient chemo and radiation. In December 2022, pediatric general surgeon Dr. Scott Boulanger performed surgery to remove the kidney. After clear scans, Noah was able to return to school.
But in January 2024, new symptoms appeared. Headaches and blurry vision revealed a brain tumor on the right side, which pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Gwen Hughes removed. Then, in April 2025, Noah underwent surgery for another brain mass, followed by targeted proton radiation.
Inspiring a community
While in the hospital, Noah enjoyed visits from members of the Doggie Brigade, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Triston McKenzie and music therapist Liz Germano who taught him how to play ukulele.
Even while undergoing treatment, Noah’s positivity inspired the Buckeye High School soccer team to create Noah’s Cup, an annual event now in its third year. The tournament collects toys, blankets and gift cards for hospitalized children. Each year, Noah proudly leads the team onto the field and presents the winning team with the cup.
“Noah’s strength and determination are an inspiration,” the team shared. “He reminds us that sports are about more than just the game. His courage challenges us to play with heart and purpose.”
A creative spirit
Noah’s smile, sense of humor and sweet personality have won over many of his nurses at Akron Children’s.
Although math is Noah’s favorite school subject, he also dabbles in drawing. This past August, he won a jersey design contest for the Akron Children’s Survivor Night game with the Akron RubberDucks.
“My dad and I came up with some ideas for how to design the jersey,” said Noah.
Noah’s dad, Ken, added, “We had ‘strike out childhood cancer’ written down the sleeve and ‘together we fight’ across the back of the neck. The game was special because we also had family and friends from Noah’s school in attendance.”
Care with compassion
The Kotlareks have nothing but praise for the care and attention Noah has received at Akron Children’s.
“The nurses fight over him. He has a special bond with nurses Amelia (Mosher) and Mandy (Marconi) and medical assistant Teresa (Boggs). And his oncologist, Dr. Vanisha Patel, is so caring and understanding,” said Laura. “Child Life Specialist Renee (Redenshek) went the extra mile by accompanying him into a few of his surgeries to help keep him calm when we couldn’t be back there with him.”
“Music therapist Liz Germano taught him how to play ukulele, so he could perform a song at Noah’s Cup last year,” added Ken.
Noah even got to be on the news with beloved therapy pony, Willie Nelson, who often makes visits to kids in the hospital.
A kid at heart
Noah enjoyed getting a new rod, reel and lures from his Wishes Can Happen shopping trip at Cabela’s. He likes to fish in the pond behind his house.
Although Noah is facing his third bout of cancer, his mom said his kindness and sense of humor remain intact.
“He likes to dance, be silly and make people laugh,” said Laura.
Outside of school and treatment, Noah loves gaming with friends, fishing and enjoying seafood (though not from the pond behind his house!).
Thanks to Wishes Can Happen, Noah recently enjoyed a shopping spree at Cabela’s, where he picked out a new rod, reel and plenty of lures.
And while his fight against cancer continues, so does the love and strength surrounding him. For his family and all who know him, that makes every day a victory worth celebrating.
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