Mason Man's Mission

Say hello to Mason Man. You may have seen some posts about him on social media #MasonMansMission.

Mason's father carries a dominant FAP gene. Generally, this is a genetic colon polyp/cancer gene. So starting at a very young age, Mason needed to start getting scans to try and stay ahead of the polyps.

Mason went in for his first routine scan July 2nd. Thinking everything would be fine and they would have an otherwise normal day... they recieved a gut wrenching phone call after the results were examined by the doctor. The genetics department called with the news that a large mass was found on Mason's liver. The next step was an emergency anesthetic MRI for further testing.

Rushing in the next day for the MRI. It was later confirmed that it was large tumor on Mason's liver.

More scans on his chest and blood work needed pulled.

Staying in the hospital to be monitored before the rushed surgery.

Mason was left feeling a little bit lighter after having the large tumor removed, 40% of his liver along with his gallbladder! His scar looked so much bigger than his tiny little body.

Recovering in the hospital, his tumor was sent off to be tested. Doctors came in with the results from the tumor that it was indeed cancer. It was APC, which is a mutation of FAP, a hepatoblastoma. Doctors needed to do chemo to make sure they got every cell.

The next week of the hospital stay was going through chemo. From the sleeping, mouth sores, vomiting..etc.

Finally he gets to go home. But his days are filled with nurse home visits, teaching mommy how to flush his PICC line and administer medicine.

More rounds of chemo in the hospital. Doctors appointments. Medications and flushes at home.

All of this being emergent and rushed, my sister didn't have even a second to try and save any money for the hardship that was about to come. She applied for FMLA, and no one told her it would be unpaid. The company wouldn't cover it under hardship, or even short term disability. And unemployment won't help cover anything since she already applied for FMLA. FMLA/LOA is basically just there for job security. LOA/short term disability only covers for self, not when your child is diagnosed with cancer and needs emergency surgeries and chemo.

Jessica has been the sole caregiver. Staying at the hospital 24/7 with Mason, while Madalyn lived with Aunt Marie during the time.

Jessica is going through a very hard time with bills at this time. Even sending Madalyn off to school she has had to rely on family to help with school supplies. She wishes she didn't need to even ask for help.. it's so hard watching her try to be so strong for Mason while in the hospital, and calling Madalyn when she can because Madalyn also wants her mommy. Going through all of this and risking things getting turned off because she doesn't have the money right now.

We did a tshirt drive, that is still available, which did help with a few small bills. She did reach out for help through the social workers at the hospital, but put on waiting lists. Meemaw has been working overtime and cashing in pto just to help Jessica.

Anything at all will help get this family back on their feet!

And prayers that the cancer stays away