Rowan Iron Doors is named after my son, Rowan. Born with Tay-Sachs, a rare and terminal genetic disease, Rowan faced more in his eight years than most people will face in a lifetime. Yet his life was never defined solely by his illness. He was joyful, gentle, stubborn, and incredibly strong—a little boy who loved music, lights, warm baths, sloths, and being surrounded by his family. Rowan had a quiet way of bringing people together and leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

When Rowan was diagnosed at just one month old, doctors told us we would likely have only two or three years with him. At six months, he underwent high-dose chemotherapy and an experimental bone-marrow transplant at Duke University. Rowan endured countless treatments, hospital stays, seizures, and years of dependence on medical equipment, but he continued to surprise everyone. He lived to be eight years old—giving our family more time, love, and memories than we had ever been told to hope for. Through it all, his illness took many things from him, but it never took away who Rowan was or the strength of his spirit.

The name Rowan also comes from the Rowan tree, which has long been associated with strength, resilience, and protection. In old traditions, Rowan trees were planted near the entrances of homes as a symbol of protection for the families living inside. That meaning has always felt deeply connected to both Rowan and the work we do. Like the tree that shares his name, Rowan embodied quiet strength—the kind that endures through hardship, offers comfort, and helps others feel protected when life becomes uncertain.

Those same qualities are at the heart of Rowan Iron Doors. An iron door represents strength and protection, but it is also the entrance to a home—the place where families gather, find comfort, and build their lives together. Giving our doors Rowan’s name brings a deeper purpose to our work. Each one is made to stand with strength, welcome people home, and serve as a lasting reminder of the courage and protection his name represents.

Rowan passed away on July 5, 2026, but his influence remains woven into our family and everything we create. A portion of the proceeds from every Rowan Iron Door is donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping families remain close to their children while they receive medical care. After experiencing the uncertainty and strain of caring for a seriously ill child, we understand how meaningful that support can be. We believe Rowan’s life had a purpose, and every door bearing his name helps us share his story, support families walking difficult roads of their own, and ensure that his legacy continues to bring comfort, strength, and hope to others.