Mollie Rowan’s Brave Battle

Mollie Rowan is your typical Southside girl, a Mother McAuley and Illinois State alum. She is the fun aunt, the family recorder of every event, the adventurer, the traveler, the great friend ready with a laugh or a shoulder, and the problem solver. She is strong, she is tough and she is brave. This summer Mollie will be facing a challenge no young woman should have to face.

In 2014 Mollie was diagnosed with a very rare, dangerous cancer, Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS). She had a tumor removed from her leg and radiation followed. The radiation caused a fracture in her femur resulting in a second surgery to stabilize the leg with a rod. During this time Mollie was working as a law clerk, not her desired career, but she stayed because she needed the healthcare benefits. She is strong, she is tough and she is brave.

Scans every three months became a way of life and a new normal. In 2016 tumors were found in her lungs and removed. Because ASPS is so rare, treatment options are limited. She was presented with a clinical trial that would last for 18 months. The drug was effective in stablizing tumor growth, which was great news. Unfortunately, however, the side effects made normal life tasks difficult and she couldn't continue with this treatment plan. In the meantime, Mollie went back to school and received a Masters Degree in Social Work in 2020 (yay!) No cancer diagnosis or pandemic was stopping her! She currently works as a social worker at Ingalls Hospital and her dreams were starting to fall into place. She is strong, she is tough and she is brave.

ASPS has reared its ugly head again. On June 8, 2022 Mollie underwent brain surgery to remove 3 of 4 tumors. The last one will be removed after stitches heal. Radiation is part of the plan once again and she will be unable to work. Unfortunately, Mollie's healthcare benefits only allow 3 weeks of paid leave. Our Moll has always been independent in her 8 year fight with this cancer, but her student loans and mounting medical expenses, even with insurance, will be overwhelming. She is strong, she is tough, she is brave - and now she needs some help.

As she navigates this latest aspect of this rare cancer we hope to be able to alleviate the stress of medical bills from her list of worries. If you are able to contribute and support her we would be truly grateful. Please keep this strong, tough, brave girl in your prayers