Rowan was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on April 20, 2022 — three days before her thirteenth birthday. Ro had no symptoms or health issues at all. She was a student-athlete having an amazing season on the track team. But one day I picked her up from track practice and saw a lump on the side of her neck. Less than 48 hours later, she was in the operating room for a biopsy.
She has had two surgeries, countless scans, and two months of chemo. The chemo is very intense and must be done inpatient, so every three weeks Ro and I spend 3-4 nights at the hospital, then have many regular outpatient appointments. It’s a struggle being away from my husband and eight-year-old son so much.
Our family schedule is built around Rowan’s treatment schedule now. Rowan’s recovery is our number one priority, but I do feel bad about how this affects my son and make an effort to spend time quality one-on-one time with him as much as possible.
Rowan is a very loving, sweet, smart, and funny kid. She has always been a wonderful big sister and dotes on her little brother. She is a great student and a natural athlete. In her spare time, she loves reading, painting, riding her bike, and watching TikTok. Having a child with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis is terrifying, but we know we will get through this. Rowan is tougher than any cancer!
Hope session by Sacred Sage Photography | Facebook | Instagram