Zander Rowen
On Monday, September 14, 2026, 5 days shy of his first birthday, we found a brain tumor, which was later diagnosed as an embryonal ATRT, an aggressive and rare brain cancer in our youngest son, Zander Rowen. This website is dedicated to Baby Rowen's progress as we embark on our journey as a pediatric neuro-oncology patient. We will share updates, track symptoms, and provide visibility on his treatment plan. We hope it can provide comfort and reassurance to us all in this heartbreaking time of need. Please continue to pray for Baby Rowen. Thank you for loving Rowen and our family through all of this. 💛
Read Rowen's Story →
Days in hospital
–
Currently: Inpatient
Chemo Cycle
2 of 6
Next Key Milestones:3rd MRI ~Nov 22 / Surgery TBD
How Rowen Is Doing Today
Needs Extra Support
November 5, 2026
Swallow test
Today, Rowen had a swallow study using X-rays, which showed that both liquids and purées entered his airway without triggering a cough (silent aspiration), putting him at risk for lung infections like pneumonia💔. His swallowing difficulties may be related to his tumor, while chemotherapy may also contribute to weakness and vomiting. Because of his vomiting, we’re moving his feeding tube past his stomach into his small intestine to help reduce vomiting and lower his aspiration risk. We’ll continue monitoring his breathing and repeat the swallow study in a few months to see if his swallowing has improved. Within an hour of putting in a new feeding tube, he pulled it out 🙄. Putting it in twice really sucks to watch 😭 it’s such an ordeal cause we have to get an xray to confirm placement every time…. He’s cried a lot today, his eyes are puffy 😔.
See all updatesWhere we are in treatment
See the full roadmapIn Progress
Cycle 3
Started Monday, November 2. After Cycle 3, Rowen will have another evaluation and imaging. Surgery timing is still to be decided — it may come after Cycle 3 or after Cycle 4.
Rowen's journey so far
Brave by the numbers 💛
Chemo doses
Trips to the OR
NG tube pulls
Transfusions
LPs (spinal taps)
Central line procedures
MRI
Original hospital & home plan
Currently: Inpatient
- Sep 18 – Oct 16Hospital — Cycle 1 & start of Cycle 2
- Oct 16 – Nov 3Home — about 2 weeks
- Nov 4 – Nov 10Hospital — Cycle 3
- Nov 11 – Nov 24Home — about 2 weeks
- After Nov 24Surgery — after Cycle 3 or 4, date TBD
Dates are estimates and may shift by several days depending on Rowen's blood counts and recovery.
Understanding pediatric brain cancer
Learn moreBrain cancer in children is different from brain cancer in adults. Children are still growing and developing, and pediatric brain tumors often have completely different biology than adult tumors. Rowen has ATRT, a rare, aggressive type of embryonal brain tumor seen mostly in babies and young children. It is serious, but children can and do survive it, and treatment keeps improving.
About ATRT
~70
children and teens in the U.S. are diagnosed with ATRT each year — fewer than 100 nationwide
~48%
five-year survival rate for children ages 0–14 with ATRT
Survival depends on age, whether the tumor has spread, and how much can be safely removed. Every child is different. Sources: Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; American Brain Tumor Association.
Why awareness & research matter
~15,000
children and teens in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year
#1
cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in U.S. children
#1
brain tumors are the most common cause of childhood cancer deaths
~4%
of federal cancer research funding goes to childhood cancers
Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, and childhood cancer advocacy groups.
Recent moments
All photosWays to Help
See all ways to helpSupporting our family
We are so grateful with the extraordinary and generous ways our village has shown their love and support. Even the simple messages go a long way to make us feel loved and hopeful. During this period, Camille has taken a break from her business and Robbie is on FMLA. Grandma P has helped more with the boys at home and Grandma Mel has helped us at the hospital. We’re still figuring out our routine, taking it one day at a time. Thank you all for being with us.
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