When Rowan first fell ill, no one could have imagined the storm that awaited him. What began as fatigue, low energy, and a few bouts of illness quickly escalated into a nightmare no parent should ever face.
The tests came back, and the words no family expects to hear shattered the quiet of their lives: high-risk neuroblastoma. A rare, aggressive cancer that had already spread throughout his tiny body.
In the early months after his diagnosis, fear became a constant companion. Rowan was too young to understand why the world around him had suddenly changed, why the soft warmth of his home had been replaced by the cold walls of a hospital room.
Monitors beeped incessantly, IV lines dripped without pause, and the smell of antiseptic seemed to linger everywhere. Each day was measured not in hours, but in doses of chemotherapy, in the hope that the next treatment might bring a reprieve.
Chemotherapy arrived as the first line of defense. But despite Rowan’s incredible courage, the cancer refused to retreat. Each session left him exhausted, his small body wracked with pain, his tiny hands clenched in defiance against the needles, the tubes, the pokes and prods.
Yet even in the face of exhaustion, Rowan’s spirit refused to surrender. Between bouts of sickness, there were fleeting moments when his eyes sparkled, when he laughed at a silly cartoon, when he reached for a soft toy and squeezed it as though drawing strength from its presence.
When chemotherapy did not yield the hoped-for results, Rowan’s family faced a choice no parent should ever confront: to give in to despair or to fight harder. And fight they did. Immunotherapy became the next step — a grueling, painful, and exhausting treatment that demanded everything from him and from the family who loved him.
Each session brought tears and trembling, but also a quiet determination that could not be measured by machines or lab results. Rowan endured. Rowan persisted. And in his perseverance, he showed everyone around him what it truly means to be brave.
Slowly, the smallest victories began to emerge, like tiny rays of sunlight piercing through storm clouds. Tests revealed that Rowan’s Curie score, a measure of tumor activity, was dropping — from 27 to 18.
Numbers on a chart could never capture the depth of what this meant: a sign that Rowan’s fight was working, that his courage was making a tangible difference, and that the love and support surrounding him were powerful allies in the battle. Each drop was celebrated quietly and fiercely by his family, a victory earned not just by medicine, but by sheer resilience, by the refusal of a little boy to be defined by a diagnosis.
Every step forward was hard-won. For Rowan, even the simplest tasks became monumental achievements. Sitting up for a few moments without fatigue, tolerating a full meal, managing a short playtime without the exhaustion that plagued him before — these were not ordinary milestones. They were testaments to a will that refused to be broken. His laughter, still soft and fleeting, became a reminder that even in the darkest corners of despair, joy can find its way.
His parents, too, were transformed by the experience. Every sleepless night, every moment spent holding his trembling hand through another treatment, every tear shed at the sight of his pain, strengthened their resolve.
They learned to find courage in exhaustion, hope in the midst of uncertainty, and strength in their unwavering love. Rowan became not only the patient but the teacher — showing what bravery truly looks like, teaching that hope can exist even when circumstances feel impossible.
Yet, the battle is far from over. Neuroblastoma is relentless, and the path forward is still steep and fraught with uncertainty. Rowan’s immune system remains fragile, every infection a potential threat, every hospital visit a reminder of how delicate his fight is.
And yet, in every smile, every small milestone, there is proof that the human spirit — even that of a child barely old enough to speak full sentences — is capable of extraordinary strength.
Rowan’s journey is a testament to the power of family, love, and resilience. It is a reminder that courage does not always roar; sometimes it is quiet, persistent, and unyielding. It is found in the way a child squeezes a parent’s hand in the hospital bed, in the way he reaches for a toy with determination, in the way he faces a needle or a monitor with a bravery far beyond his years.
Even in moments of exhaustion, when hope feels fragile and the nights are long, Rowan lights the way. His story reminds us that miracles are not always instant, and victories are not always grandiose. They are the accumulation of small acts of courage, of moments of resilience, of love that refuses to let go.
Today, Rowan continues his fight. He receives treatment, he endures hardships, and he continues to teach everyone around him the meaning of bravery. And while the battle is ongoing, the impact of his spirit is undeniable: he is not just surviving — he is showing the world that even the smallest among us can possess a heart that defies the greatest odds.
Rowan’s story is more than a medical journey; it is a lesson in hope, a tribute to love, and a demonstration of what it means to face life’s most terrifying moments with courage beyond one’s years. It is a reminder that even in the deepest darkness, light can shine, and that even in the harshest battles, a little boy’s heart can teach everyone around him the true meaning of strength.
A Life Changed Forever: 17-Year-Old Boy’s Journey from Kidney Disease to Transplant and Beyond. 4821
At just 17 years old, Patrick McCormick has already faced challenges most people couldn’t imagine. Born with smaller-than-normal kidneys, his journey began early—at just 6 years old, signs of chronic kidney disease emerged.
This would eventually lead to a kidney transplant, but not before years of medical battles, treatments, and the unyielding love of his family.
Growing up in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Patrick was no stranger to doctors, hospitals, and specialists. Diagnosed with mitochondrial disorder and autism, he required specialized care from an early age.
At Mass General Brigham for Children, Patrick’s team of doctors and specialists worked tirelessly to address his health concerns, from his kidneys to his developmental needs.
At age 8, the McCormick family relocated, and Patrick’s kidney function slowly worsened over the years. Despite his complex medical needs, dialysis wasn’t an option due to his developmental challenges. Instead, doctors placed him on the kidney transplant list.
When he was 15, Patrick received the life-changing call—a match for a kidney transplant. The surgery took place on the 50th birthday of his mother, Margarita Haas, who called it “the best birthday present ever.” But the transplant was only the beginning. For the rest of his life, Patrick would require careful monitoring, medication adjustments, and follow-up care to ensure his body didn’t reject the transplant.
A Family’s Struggle and Strength
The McCormicks made the decision to move back to New Hampshire, where Mass General Brigham for Children at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital could serve as the home base for Patrick’s post-transplant care. Margarita couldn’t have been more relieved.
“I can’t even tell you what a blessing that is,” Margarita said. “I thank God for the great team of doctors and nurses we have here.”
Once back in New Hampshire, Patrick’s care became more manageable, with quarterly visits to his pediatric nephrologist, Dr. Paul Fadakar, at Wentworth-Douglass. Still, once a year, Margarita takes Patrick to Mass General in Boston for a comprehensive check-up with a full team of specialists.
Dr. Fadakar, the medical director of the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program, made sure that all of Patrick’s needs were met, both physically and emotionally.
“Receiving most of his care here is so much more convenient,” said Dr. Fadakar. “It allows us to provide the best care and support for Patrick and his family.”
The “Sweet Spot” of Medication and Care
Patrick’s care requires a careful balance of medications to prevent organ rejection while minimizing the risk of infections. This delicate balance requires regular monitoring, especially after illnesses. Dr. Fadakar’s goal is to find that “sweet spot” for Patrick—adjusting medications to ensure that both rejection and infection risks are kept in check.
“He’s such a joy to work with,” Dr. Fadakar said. “But he’s not just a patient; he’s a member of our family here.”
Margarita also praises the care team for their ability to make Patrick feel at ease despite the complexity of his medical situation. “Dr. Fadakar is very personable. He listens, provides feedback, and answers my questions. He makes everything easier to understand,” she said.
Pat’s Bright Personality Amidst the Struggles
Though Patrick’s health challenges were daunting, his personality shone brightly throughout it all. Whether it was his love of the playground, grocery shopping, or his new portable communication device that allowed him to express himself more easily, Patrick kept his spirits high and brought joy to everyone around him.
“He seems a lot happier and less frustrated now,” Margarita says, proud of the progress her son has made.
Patrick’s resilience isn’t just physical—he’s learned to enjoy life despite the hurdles he faces. Margarita describes the experience as one that’s taught her to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.
“Despite all the challenges he’s faced, he’s healthy now. He’s made me see what’s really important—slowing down and enjoying life,” Margarita says.
The Future: Lifelong Care and a Sense of Normalcy
As Patrick continues his post-transplant journey, he will need lifelong care to monitor the health of his transplanted kidney and to manage the effects of his treatments. His family is committed to ensuring that he has the best possible quality of life, with the support of Mass General Brigham.
“The road ahead isn’t easy, but we are here for him every step of the way,” Margarita says, holding back tears.
Patrick’s experience is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of family, love, and medical care. His journey isn’t over, but with each passing day, he proves that even the toughest battles can be fought with resilience, hope, and an unwavering belief in the future.
For the McCormicks, life has forever changed—but one thing remains constant: the love and strength that bind them together.
