Hi, my name is Stephanie and I am helping my family raise money for my cousin Brandon Rowe.

Those who know Brandon have come to appreciate his smile, good nature, and great sense of humor. He is a source of pride to his parents, Chris and Shirley, and a wonderful brother to his siblings Ryan and Madison. He also is adored by his grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends, and anyone else that gets to know him well. Over the last 6 months, with one bad diagnosis after another, through all the adversity, all those qualities have remained. This whole ordeal started from his parents pushing him to be seen by his doctor as his insurance coverage with them was to expire in the month ahead on his 26th Birthday. He was having some lower back pain and seemed like a good %me to have everything checked out. Much to everyone’s surprise, he was first diagnosed with Type II diabetes. This was shocking, but he and family felt it could be controlled with a proper diet. However, the back pain persisted. After what seemed like endless appointments and scans, they discovered multiple lesions on his spine. One was so large it needed immediate surgery to alleviate the pressure on his spinal cord. The surgery, although successful, ended with a biopsy result of a rare form of cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma. Ewing Sarcoma is a very aggressive form of cancer and requires immediate treatment. Working with the doctors and specialists at UCONN Medical, it was decided the best path forward would be to transfer his care to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The treatment plan has, and will continue, to require multiple trips and stays in Boston. His treatment plan is anticipated to continue well into the fall before we can call him “Cancer Free”. As you can imagine, the past events and months ahead will continue to result in mounting medical bills and growing debt for Brandon and his family. Although Brandon does have insurance through his current employer, out of pocket expenses and treatment costs are significant. Not only medical bills, but the cost of transportation, meals, lodging, and loss of time at work for Brandon and both of his parents to be with him through this ordeal are proving challenging and is causing financial strain on the family. The family has been so fortunate to have support from their family, friends, and the community, to keep them going forward and to stay optimistic. With all the above in mind, we are asking for any financial donations and support to help Brandon and his family navigate through this long journey without the added stress of worrying where to find money to cover all these unanticipated costs. Many people have asked the family what they can do to help. Kind words, calls to check in, and meals brought to the house because everyone is so exhausted and stressed are extremely appreciated, but the immediate need is to find funds to enable the continuation of his critical care.So please help by donating and sharing this Go Fund Me page to support Brandon and his family through this ordeal. Brandon and his family thank you in advance for your continued support, love, and encouragement. In the meantime, Brandon will continue this fight, while smiling, being good natured, and keeping his sense of humor intact, until he emerges healthy and strong.With our deepest gratitude.

The Rowe Family