Move Mason's Morale
On Sunday, January 8, 2017, at approximately 6:30pm, Mason Philip West, an 18 year old pedestrian, was hit by a car. He was walking across the street to get a soda and a cigar to celebrate getting a good paying job. Mason was to sign an apartment lease and start a new job the next morning as a full time cook at a local Red Robin. He also had a part time job at a children's party place called Monkey Joe's. As he crossed the road on his way back, he was hit by an oncoming car driving the speed limit of 45mph. Mason was your average teenage boy who had already graduated high school early and was moving forward in the working world. Today, he is severely handicapped and struggles daily to do things that most people take for granted.
Injuries consisted of:
• TBI (traumatic brain injury)
• Compound fracture to the tibia
• Compound fracture to the fibula
• Compound fracture to humerus
• A broken hand
• A broken pelvis
• Multiple broken ribs
• Heart/lung life support, ECMO - Thank Science (and Infinite Knowledge), ECMO saved Mason's life
• Medically induced coma which was discontinued as medical staff was able to remove the ECMO machine
• Contused (bruised) heart
• Swollen, lacerated and bruised face
• Blood pressure problems
• Critical condition with occasional fever (storming)
• Broken teeth, some of which had to be removed
• Stitches on left eye orbital (2" suture)
• 8 blood transfusions
• 3 plasma transfusions
• Collapsed lungs requiring chest tubes and life support
• E. coli in lungs from aspiration
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• He developed Heterotopic Ossification along breaks and in his spine and pelvis as a direct result of brain & body injury
• Has had difficulty in his ability to walk and talk
• Requires daily heart medication as he cannot properly regulate his blood pressure or heart rate
• Requires assistance for daily living activities
Mason continues to fight for his cognitive abilities and for his gross and fine motor skills daily. Each day is a definitive struggle that he continues to pull through. It is an amazing inspiration to see this very young man finish victoriously in fight after fight, day after day! He has been through so much! He has had five surgeries as a result of the accident since January 8, 2017.
Mason's recovery will be long. Donations are needed at this time for dental services, speech therapy, and respite care for caretakers. Insurance paid for tooth extraction, but will not cover restorative dental work. Speech therapy was also previously covered by insurance, but they have not deemed ongoing speech necessary even though he shows a need and a desire to speak clearly. Lastly, primary caregiver, mom, needs some respite. Please donate to Move Mason's Morale and help this young man and his family move forward in life without so much struggle.