LLS's Man of the Year, Brewer Rowe, Recognized for Remarkable Volunteerism

Rhode Island already has its Man of the Year and he's Brewer Rowe — Newport's inimitable special events director at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Rowe, along with his wife, Abby, raised nearly $90,000 to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and for that, he was named Man of the Year by the Rhode Island chapter of the blood cancer research, advocacy and support organization.

Rowe competed against a group of other like-minded individuals determined to find a cure for blood cancer in the spirited contest that netted more than $400,000 for the LLS.

His fundraising efforts are in honor of his mother, Lysa Rowe, of Middletown, who he describes as courageous, strong and "well, a tad stubborn!"

That's what helped her first fight a battle against breast cancer, and after that, a 20-year fight with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

"My mom didn't really like a fuss to be made over her; but I do think she would support the work I'm doing now on behalf of the LLS to raise money to support blood cancer research, treatment, and patients.  Here's to you, mom!" he wrote on his fundraising page. 

The other inspiration is Abby's late mother, Barbara Campbell, who died shortly before the couple met after a battle against melanoma. 

"I think if Barbara was still alive we would spend most of our time together watching the Bourne trilogy and, once and for all, settling on the ultimate chocolate chip ice cream.  Its safe to say, we'd have had a lot of fun together," Rowe said.

The Rowe family weren't alone in their efforts. They were joined by countless friends, family members, the local business community, including the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Gray Matter Marketing, McGrath Clambakes, Pulse Fitness and Narragansett Brewing Company.

And on June 11, Rowe will be lauded before the Newport City Council, which will read a resolution commending Rowe for his efforts to fund the research behind a potential cure.

To date, the competition has raised almost $1 billion to advance new therapies and research, provide blood cancer information, education and support.

Donations will still be accepted through June at www.mwoy.org/ri