Cancer Blows

Part of two of “how are the kids/what are they doing now?” celebrates Rowan as he turned 20 on October 19th.

Audiences unfortunately didn’t get to know Rowan well in Song For Hope. At age 14, he wasn’t comfortable during the interviews or talking in depth about Ryan’s illness.

Some things about Rowan are the same as they ever were – he continues to be our button-pushing, rule-challenging, tormentor of siblings. He hates every restaurant we pick and won’t for the life of him take a normal photo. But he’s also still hilarious, honest, loyal and sweet.

You might think, looking at the pictures, that the biggest thing Rowan’s been up to over the past few years is growing. You’d be sort of right, as he now towers over the rest of us. However, another big change is that Rowan, originally an oboe player, switched to trumpet his junior year of high school. This fall he started his sophomore year at University of Texas Austin majoring in Trumpet Performance. It’s hard to believe that Ryan never saw him play, but Rowan’s fortunate to have plenty of trumpet uncles to help show him the ropes.

In addition to playing trumpet, Rowan plays piano and sings. He obsesses over cars and tolerates being dragged all over the world with his mom and Jackson. You might see him helping out at CancerBlows events, often working at the merchandise table. He’d love it if you’d stop by and say hello at the next conference or concert. He’s not as shy as he used to be.

And if you’re worried about Jackson being tormented, don’t be. For revenge, they hug Rowan often. He hates it.

We’re so proud of the person Ro is becoming and can’t wait to see what he does next.

Happy Birthday, Rowan!