On April 6, 2023, at just 7 years old, our daughter Rowan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor following what was supposed to be a routine eye doctor appointment. In a matter of minutes, our entire world changed.

Since her diagnosis, she has undergone two brain surgeries to manage complications caused by the tumor, along with two years of chemotherapy and 30 rounds of radiation.

Through it all, Rowan has shown incredible strength and resilience. Her experience with cancer has changed her life in ways we never could have imagined, but she continues to move forward with determination and hope. Even on the hardest days, she reminds us what it means to be a Tough Cookie.

Our family has been involved with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for some time now, and we’ve seen the incredible impact this organization has on children facing cancer. Through the Tough Cookie program, they recognize children of all ages, honor their individual experiences and make each child feel special. Their dedication to helping these children and their families means so much to us.

There are so many incredible Tough Cookies like Rowan who deserve better treatments, more options and real hope for the future. By sharing Rowan’s story, we want to do everything we can to support this mission and help fund the research needed to develop new, improved and less toxic treatments.