Chuck Rowles: A Man on a Mission to Beat Cancer
A WonderWe Feature Story
You might say that Chuck Rowles has always been a man on a mission.
As a young man, living in Napa, California, Chuck married the love of his life, Mary Muth, and the two set out together to raise what some could only call a team! The two are the proud parents of ten children — yes you read that correctly!
A Navy brat as a boy, and later a Navy veteran himself, Chuck traveled all over the world. He was accepted to the elite Nuclear Power Training School in Idaho, and served on the USS Pargo, a nuclear submarine, calling home to Mary every chance he could.
As anyone can imagine, family life together with military life brings its own form of unique and interesting challenges, but Chuck, together with Mary, made it work. His children lovingly swear they have plenty of stories to prove it.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy in the late 90’s, Chuck pursued a career specializing in high voltage electricity, and became a foreman with the City of San Francisco Lighting Department, now in his twentieth year.
Enviably, at 54, Chuck, a man of deep faith, has more life experience, children and grandchildren, cherished moments, personal victories and proud service to look back on than many men who are ten, or even twenty years his senior. Chuck has much to live for.
And as of Valentine’s Day, just a couple of weeks ago, anyone in Chuck’s family would have said that life for the sprawling Rowles gang seemed to be cruising along quite smoothly.
But as Chuck’s oldest son, Chris, points out, “no one can prepare for earth shattering news.”
A recent persistent cough and some abnormal pain sent Chuck off to the doctor to see what the trouble might be. The diagnosis, Stage 4 Colon Cancer, immediately started Chuck on a new and decisive mission to fight for his life.
First stop, MD Anderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, Texas.
With certain treatments started and because of the overwhelming costs the Rowles family faces, Chris decided it was time to seek the help of family members, friends, acquaintances and any others who may wish to support Chuck’s endeavor to beat cancer.
As devoted Catholics, the Rowles are also asking for masses, novenas and prayers of support as they embark on this mission with Chuck to discover the best treatment options. All proceeds will help to supplement Mary and Chuck’s upcoming trip to Houston.
Chris wisely notes that every life has hardships, trials and tribulations, and says he is committed to sharing updates along the journey with those who join the WonderWe campaign to help Chuck and be with him in spirit.
Donations to the ‘Chuck’s Cancer Consultation’ are graciously welcomed by the Rowles family.
