by David Rowan. Rowan Foundation Founder
Alexandra and Roz Rowan
National Women’s Health Month is always a meaningful time for the Rowan Foundation. It gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to helping women access clear, trusted information so they can make informed decisions at every stage of life.
This year, however, it also carries a more personal meaning for me. In February, my wife, Roz Rowan, passed away due to glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and fast-growing brain tumor. Roz and I shared more than five decades together, building a life rooted in love, family, friendship, and shared experiences. I wanted to take a moment to recognize her life, honor her memory, and share how deeply she is still felt in our family and in the work we do.
A Life Dedicated to Family, Learning, and Kindness
Above all, Roz was a loving and devoted mother to our daughter, Alexandra. The bond they shared, and the values Roz helped instill in Alex, continue to shape the spirit of the Foundation that proudly carries her name. Roz encouraged curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. She also loved travel and the arts, especially the symphony and the opera, and brought that same appreciation for beauty, culture, and expression into our family life.
David, Alex, & Roz Rowan
The Enduring Spirit of the Foundation’s Mission and Work
She believed in kindness, in helping others, and in the importance of using one’s voice with purpose. Those values remain at the heart of the Foundation’s mission. They are reflected in our commitment to education, awareness, and elevating the experiences of women whose voices deserve to be heard.
That same spirit is reflected in our scholarship program, which supports young women pursuing creative writing and encourages the next generation to express themselves with insight, courage, and authenticity. Through these students and through the many women who engage with our work, her legacy continues in meaningful ways.
As we recognize National Women’s Health Month, we remain focused on the work ahead: Supporting informed decision-making, amplifying patient voices, and helping women navigate important health decisions with greater confidence.
Thank you for being part of this mission and for helping us continue to move it forward.
