Meet Jake

Jake Cirner

Jake Cirner was born on June 12, 2002, and was diagnosed with RCDP Type 2 at just six months old. Since birth, he has undergone numerous surgeries at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, including cataract surgeries on both eyes. He wore contacts for many years and now has intraocular lenses.

Jake experiences seizures and requires total care to support his daily needs. He cannot eat orally and follows a feeding plan of bolus feeds during the day, supplemented by a G-tube for nighttime feeds and medications. He has also undergone ear tube surgery and, in 2009, had an osteotomy with muscle release surgery on both arms at Boston Children’s Hospital to improve mobility—a complex and specialized procedure. In 2024, Jake underwent a mastoidectomy, once again demonstrating his incredible resilience.

In 2022, Jake reached an important milestone and graduated from North Royalton High School with the support of the North Royalton school system providing home-based therapies such as music, speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Jake is now learning to communicate his choices using a Tobii eye gaze board, which has opened up new ways for him to express himself. Despite the significant challenges he faces, Jake is a determined and courageous young man who loves to smile and listen to music.

We cherish every moment with Jake, celebrating the joy, strength, and inspiration he brings to our lives.