Jason Rowell
It is with the deepest heartache and greatest love that we share the news that our dear friend, role model, and Bert’s Big Adventure volunteer, Jason Rowell, passed away on Sunday.
Jason began volunteering his time at Bert’s Big Adventure in 2012, helping care for children and their families during the annual 5-day journey to Walt Disney World, at the organization’s quarterly Family Reunion Adventures, and so much more. Shortly after he began volunteering, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer in his neck and head.
“In my life, there have been few people as inspiring and as selfless as Jason. Jason openly spoke about his journey with cancer and encouraged everyone he knew to live life to its fullest. Everyone he met felt deeply connected, and even though he is no longer with us, I will always feel his presence and will never forget the wonderful lessons he shared with so many. Truly, I was better for knowing him.”- Bert Weiss
Despite the fact that Jason was receiving treatments himself, he still volunteered his time and he put caring for the Bert’s Big Adventure families in front of caring for himself. He was selfless, even when he was facing earth-shattering odds.
Days at Disney are wonderful but very full. Jason greeted each child and family with infectious energy and contagious positivity. As a staff we have a motto that prevents us from telling a Bert’s Big Adventure kiddo “no” while we are on the trip. Jason took this task very seriously and poured love into caring for each of our families and making certain that every single moment was magical. He could often be found helping to carry luggage and strollers and kiddos … sometimes simultaneously. There had to be days that were physically challenging, but his smile never faded. His generosity and light will always serve as an example to our staff, volunteers, families and so many others.
Please keep Jason’s incredible family in your thoughts and prayers.