It is with tremendous sadness and hearts full of love that we share the passing of 12-year-old Rowan Rieve on July 28, 2026.
In February 2026, Rowan and his incredible family became part of the Bert’s Big Adventure family.
While his time with us was far too short, the impact Rowan made will be felt for years to come.
At just eight years old, Rowan was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. What began as a frightening trip to the emergency room quickly became an unimaginable journey filled with emergency brain surgeries, months of proton radiation, and chemotherapy. Through every challenge, Rowan faced each day with remarkable courage and determination.
When a new tumor was discovered, Rowan once again faced the impossible with quiet bravery. He underwent another brain surgery, additional proton radiation, and chemotherapy before learning he also had Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a rare inherited condition that significantly increases the risk of cancer. Despite everything he endured, Rowan never allowed his diagnosis to define him. What defined Rowan was his heart.
He was thoughtful beyond his years, endlessly kind, and always looking for ways to help others, even while fighting for his own life. After learning about federal cuts to pediatric brain tumor research, Rowan and his friends set up a neighborhood lemonade stand, raising $22.25 to support childhood cancer research. That simple act of selflessness inspired thousands, including an anonymous donor whose gift of more than $100,000 honored Rowan’s compassion and sparked hope for children facing cancer in the future.
His neuro-oncologist described Rowan as “unselfish and truly giving,” a sentiment everyone who met him understood immediately.
That same kindness shined brightly during Bert’s Big Adventure.
One of the most memorable moments from the trip came during a dinner party when Rowan noticed five-year-old Asher was nervous to meet Chip and Dale. Without hesitation, Rowan gently encouraged him, walked alongside him, and helped his new friend find the courage to create a magical memory.
Throughout the trip, Rowan was a source of encouragement for the other children. Whether cheering on new friends, helping his younger brother Jacob, or pushing through his own treatments to experience every magical moment, Rowan reminded all of us what perseverance truly looks like. Even while undergoing his fourth round of daily proton radiation, he embraced every adventure from sunrise to fireworks, never letting his circumstances steal his joy.
His mother, Charlan, beautifully captured Rowan’s spirit in a letter written during the trip:
“Dear Rowan, we watched you experience joy and share your precious heart with others over the course of this magical week. You’re one of a kind, baby. One of your greatest strengths is perseverance, and you certainly showed it this week. Despite being one week in your fourth round of daily proton radiation treatment, you kept up with the Bert’s Big Adventure group from before dawn to fireworks at Epcot late at night. You used the wheelchair as needed, but there were several occasions in which you pushed Jacob to give his legs a break.
You work hard, and your kindness is evident to all who know you. We’re honored to be your and Jacob’s parents, and we are so blessed to have been given the incredible gift of this special time together.”
Rowan’s courage inspired us. His generosity challenged us to be better. His kindness reminded us that even the smallest acts of compassion can change lives.
Our hearts are with Rowan’s loving family – his mother Charlan, father Bob, younger brother Jacob, Aunt Tywanna, and everyone who loved him so deeply. We are grateful they shared Rowan with the Bert’s Big Adventure family and allowed us to witness the remarkable young man he became.
Bert’s Big Adventure is forever better because Rowan was part of it.
Please keep Rowan’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Though his time here was brief, his legacy of courage, generosity, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.
A celebration of Rowan’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Buford Presbyterian Church (1242 Buford Highway, Sugar Hill, GA 30518).
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed on YouTube
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