Brooke Shields’ Daughter, Rowan, Reveals Diagnosis at 21 — Details

“I was eating two meals [for] each meal. I was consuming so much food and losing weight even faster the more I ate,” Rowan recalled. She also mentioned getting a bad toe infection, which, along with her other symptoms, became clear red flags for undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes.

Brooke Shields and Rowan Henchy attending the special screening of "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation" in East Hampton, New York, on July 8, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Brooke Shields and Rowan Henchy attending the special screening of “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation” in East Hampton, New York, on July 8, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

“It was a rough year all in all,” Rowan said. Along with her diagnosis, she faced the challenges of switching to an all-girls school and leaving behind friends from her previous school.

Now a college senior at Wake Forest University, Rowan has been managing her condition for several years. She revealed that she has a pump in her stomach as well as a Dexcom patch, a continuous glucose monitor that’s linked to a smartphone app.

“It’s a 24/7 job and I’m never off duty,” she admitted. “But at the same time, it’s at the back of my mind. It only controls my thoughts when my blood sugar is too high or too low. Regardless of whatever headache, you find a way around it. It’s something that I have, and it’s now just about managing.”

However, Rowan also expressed some frustration about her late diagnosis, saying, “There were times I wished that I was diagnosed at 5 because I knew a life without it.” Despite the challenges, she acknowledged the advances in technology that have helped her manage the condition.

Rowan Henchy in a swimsuit and holding a drink, from a post dated May 2024 | Source: Instagram/brookeshields

Rowan Henchy in a swimsuit and holding a drink, from a post dated May 2024 | Source: Instagram/brookeshields

Meanwhile, her mother described the adjustments the family had to make, particularly during Rowan’s early years with the condition. “I was feeling helpless because we didn’t know what to do and then she became completely autonomous with it,” Brooke said.

Rowan took on the responsibility of administering insulin at just 14, a task Brooke says led to rapid maturation. “She became very competent. She had to grow up quickly,” she disclosed.

Brooke Shields and her daughter Rowan Henchy at the premiere of "Spirited" in New York City on November 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Brooke Shields and her daughter Rowan Henchy at the premiere of “Spirited” in New York City on November 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Brooke explained that it took Rowan some time to feel comfortable with the monitoring devices. Initially, Rowan was reluctant to wear the glucose monitor and found the constant finger pricking frustrating. However, she eventually embraced the monitor, which allowed Brooke to check her levels on her phone without needing to constantly ask her daughter.

Brooke Shields and Rowan Henchy at the 27th Annual White House Correspondents' Weekend Garden Brunch on April 30, 2022 in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

Brooke Shields and Rowan Henchy at the 27th Annual White House Correspondents’ Weekend Garden Brunch on April 30, 2022 in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

In addition to supporting Rowan, Brooke has been raising awareness about Type 1 diabetes. She recently completed a film, “Quarter,” which centers on a young woman living with the condition. Both Brooke and Rowan participated in a panel discussion about the film at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year.

Following Rowan’s candid interview, reactions from readers poured in, with many sharing their own experiences with diabetes. On Facebook, one reader commented“Oh my goodness I’ve been a type two for 14 years. Oh boy……” Another shared“My son was diagnosed with type 1 when he was 14. It’s a horrible thing.”

Brooke Shields and Rowan Henchy posing at the backstage of the Edgar Allan Poe musical "Nevermore" at The New World Stages on January 25, 2015 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Brooke Shields and Rowan Henchy posing at the backstage of the Edgar Allan Poe musical “Nevermore” at The New World Stages on January 25, 2015 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Over on X (formerly Twitter), a user revealed a heartbreaking story,“I lost my daughter to this terrible disease. Have your children checked at an early age. She was so beautiful. I miss her beyond words.”

Brooke Shields, Rowan Henchy and her father Chris Henchy from a post dated May 16, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brookeshields

Brooke Shields, Rowan Henchy and her father Chris Henchy from a post dated May 16, 2024 | Source: Instagram/brookeshields

Another user offered a simple but heartfelt response, “Prayers.” Yet another found solace in Rowan’s story, writing, “I felt alone when I found out just a year ago at age 48 that I have type 1 diabetes as well. It’s a very hard adjustment, especially at my age, so it’s nice to read about other people also getting diagnosed!!”

Rowan Henchy at the beach, from a post in May 2024 | Source: Instagram/brookeshields

Rowan Henchy at the beach, from a post in May 2024 | Source: Instagram/brookeshields

The deep bond between Brooke and her daughters has been evident over the years. At the New York City premiere of her documentary “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” Brooke spoke proudly of her daughters’ strength and independence.

“That last scene in the movie where they are confident and free—they’re confident, they’re being listened to, I’m proud of them speaking their mind,” Brooke said.

She marveled at how her daughters, Rowan, then 19, and Grier, then 16, were already beginning to find their own paths in life. “They are young women who are already beginning to find their own agencies. It took me until practically today,” she added.

Brooke’s close relationship with her daughters was further highlighted when Rowan called her from college to check in and offer congratulations on the eve of the premiere. Grier, too, showed her support by being there in person and wearing one of her mom’s red suits to the event at Alice Tully Hall.

Grier Henchy and Brooke Shields at the premiere of "Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields" at Alice Tully Hall on March 29, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Grier Henchy and Brooke Shields at the premiere of “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” at Alice Tully Hall on March 29, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on the moment, Brooke shared, “[Rowan] called me from college and was like, you know, ‘Mom, let me see what you’re wearing,’ and ‘I’m so proud of you.’”

Now Brooke is facing the bittersweet reality of becoming an empty nester. In the same People interview where Rowan opened up about her diagnosis, Brooke discussed her mixed emotions as both Rowan and Grier, 18, headed off to college.

“I’m terrified!” Brooke admitted, sharing her concerns about the transition now that Grier was joining her sister at the same school as a freshman. Rowan humorously acknowledged her mother’s anxiety, saying, “Feelings are fraught. I mean, I’ve already done it, and she was a mess. I think she’s really busy now, which is good. Swamp her with work!”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *