Rowan McClain
About Rowan:
Rowan is a sweet, rambunctious, and cheeky two-year-old whose personality lights up every room he enters. What began as mild discomfort while walking and a persistent fever quickly turned into every parent’s worst fear. After a stressful and confusing series of tests and hospital visits, Rowan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a rare form of blood cancer that affects only about 1 in 1,000 children each year. The suddenness of his diagnosis shook his family’s world, yet Rowan has shown incredible bravery far beyond his years.
In just the first 10 weeks of treatment, Rowan has completed multiple rounds of chemotherapy, endured 28 days of steroids, three extended hospital stays, and now receives twice-daily shots at home. He also carries a small backpack each day that provides constant infusion treatment, and he and his family make weekly trips to the hospital for continued care. His medical journey will continue for several years, even after remission, with ongoing monitoring, treatments, and safeguards to protect his fragile immune system — which means hospital stays can happen at any moment if he becomes ill.
Through it all, Rowan’s parents, McKenna and Kevin, have remained steadfast by his side. Kevin took a leave of absence from his new job to handle the frequent hospital visits, emergency stays, and daily medical routines. McKenna balances Rowan’s care with the needs of their three daughters, keeping school routines, activities, and a sense of normalcy intact while managing the emotional and financial weight this journey carries. The cost of travel, missed work, and the realities of caring for four young children during a medical crisis have placed an enormous strain on the family.
And yet, Rowan continues to smile, laugh, explore, and bring happiness to those around him. He is not defined by his diagnosis. He is a beloved little brother, a playful adventurer, and a bright light to his family and all who know him. The support he receives allows his family to focus on him — on his comfort, his healing, and the many hopeful tomorrows they are fighting for together.