LANGHORNE, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — A 5-year-old boy in Bucks County might be sleeping easier, dreaming of home runs and hot dogs, since his bedroom was treated to a Phillies surprise makeover.
Rowan Linder and his 9-year-old sister Aubrey couldn't stop smiling and laughing Thursday after school when they realized a surprise was waiting at home.
Standing with their parents, waiting to greet them, was none other than the Phillie Phanatic.
Nina Baratti KYW Newsradio
As Rowan stepped out of the school bus, the Phillies mascot and his classmates back on the bus erupted in cheer as he walked toward his home, stunned and a little overwhelmed.
"He is super cute, he is fun, he is silly. And he is currently in remission for AML," said Kristin, Rowan's mom.
Rowan was in the hospital for eight months after he was diagnosed with AML, or Acute Myeloid Leukemia, in February 2022, she said. He's been back home for more than a year.
"He's doing awesome," Kristin said. "All of his reports are all good, his counts are good."
While he was at school, the Philadelphia Phillies and the J Foundation, a nonprofit that helps kids who are sick and their families, transformed Rowan's bedroom from floor to ceiling into a Phillies fans' paradise.
"Holy cow! Look at this — look at all of this," said Rowan's dad as the excited boy pushed open his bedroom door to find a wall of Phillies hats, colorful new bedding, and life-size images of Bryce Harper and Aaron Nola.
Nina Baratti KYW Newsradio
Rowan was a little speechless, but the new room got his sister's stamp of approval.
"I really like it," Aubrey said.
Rowan's parents say he loves sports, and he's playing baseball, himself.
Rowan also loved jumping on his new bed, surrounded by Phillies jerseys, bobble heads and images of Citizens Bank Park.
"This is a perfect day. It's a perfect year for Rowan and Aubrey, and we're just so excited to see all the happiness and good stuff coming for both kids," Kristin said.
