In Memory of Ret. Lt. Col. Ronald "Rooster" Rouse

When I was just eight years old, I lost my dad to cancer.  He was diagnosed with a brain tumor when I was just five and given a 1% chance to live.  The doctors told us he only had 24-48 months to live.  He immediately underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and it seemed to work! The tumor stopped growing.  So, he went back to school and got his second master’s degree, started teaching math at my sister’s high school, started working to be recertified with the FAA, and was even back to taking the family deep sea fishing every weekend.  My mom recently told me that they truly believed my dad was going to be that 1%.  But, the tumor came back with a vengeance.  My Dad started treatment again and it was beyond terrible.  Here is what I remember:  I called 9-1-1 twice to save his life, he gained weight, he got weak, and he couldn’t remember his address at times… I literally watched as his disease/treatments took over his body and our lives.  On June 22, 1995, a day I can recount every second of, my dad lost his battle and on June 27, 1995, my 9^th birthday, we buried one of the greatest men I will ever know.

22 Years Later… “Team Ecks Factors”

In 2015 Team Rooster raised over $155,000! Last year Team 5 Alive raised over $200,000 and now I am part of Team Ecks Factors with a goal of $250,000 as we celebrate the amazing jounrey of Mascot Dave.

I hope you will join me in this celebration of my Dad’s life and Dave's.  I know I can’t do this alone and I am asking for your help.  Please consider helping with a donation to this cause or joining me for an event.  One mile at a time, I believe we can save lives, and in doing so, remember those who fought but lost the battle.    

Thank you so much for all of your love and support!
-Megan