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Father and Son Battle Same Rare Eye Cancer
13 Apr
Summary
- Rowan Olson, son of USC football player Jake Olson, completed treatment for retinoblastoma.
- Rowan was diagnosed with the rare eye cancer in January 2025 shortly after birth.
- Unlike his father, Rowan retained his eyesight due to early detection and medical advances.
In a remarkable display of medical progress, young Rowan Olson, son of USC football star Jake Olson, has successfully completed treatment for retinoblastoma. This rare eye cancer, which originates in the retina, typically affects children under four years old.
Rowan was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes in January 2025, just days after his birth. His diagnosis prompted treatment involving chemotherapy and laser procedures, requiring extensive travel for specialized care.
Decades ago, Jake Olson himself faced retinoblastoma, a battle that led to the loss of his vision. He later became the first completely blind NCAA Division I football player for the USC Trojans.
Remarkably, many of the same medical professionals who treated Jake at Children's Hospital Los Angeles also cared for Rowan. Groundbreaking medical advances have allowed Rowan to keep his vision, a stark contrast to his father's experience.
After more than a year of treatment, doctors confirmed Rowan's eye cancer is inactive. His father expressed profound hope that Rowan will cherish every moment with his eyesight.
Parents can identify early warning signs of retinoblastoma by looking for a white glow in a flash photograph instead of the usual red-eye reflection. Other signs include enlarged pupils or sudden vision changes, prompting immediate medical consultation for early intervention.
