Year four. Somehow. 

Four years of learning, adjusting, advocating—and watching Rowan grow into the strongest, most self-aware little girl.

PKU is part of her daily life in ways that still stop us in our tracks. She knows she has PKU. She knows we measure everything. Most mornings start with her asking, “Mom, did you add the ONE ounce of cow’s milk?” followed quickly by, “And you only added ONE ounce, right?”

We’ve gone back to weekly blood draws. In early April, we had a 4-hour-long neuropsych evaluation coming up (her second) to make sure we’re staying proactive with her neurological health and supporting her in every way we can. This is our normal—and she handles it with a kind of strength that humbles us daily.

As she grows, so do the challenges. Keeping a busy, growin' Rowan full while staying within her strict 5 grams of protein a day is something we’re constantly navigating.  So this year, we’re taking a step we weren’t ready for before—starting Kuvan. We talked about it last year, but it didn’t feel like the right time. 

Move Your Pheet means more to us every year.  What started as a way to process her diagnosis has become something so much bigger - community, advocacy and hope. 

If you’re able, we’d be so grateful for your support—whether that’s donating, joining our team, or simply sharing Rowan’s story. Every bit truly matters. You are helping move us closer to better treatments, more access, and a future that looks different for kids like Rowan.

Thank you for being part of this with us. Truly. 

-Mike, Melissa and Ro