Baby Mason’s NICU journey

Mason Steven Dent entered the world on 4/21/23 at 24 weeks and 3 days, weighing only 1 lb 12 oz. This teeny tiny miracle has been a fighter since day one but his journey has had many bumps in the road. At only a little over a month old, Mason has undergone numerous tests and procedures, more than some people will experience in a lifetime.

Last week, Mason was airlifted from St. Luke’s Hospital to Hershey, PA for something called a Piccolo Procedure which places a small device to close a valve in his heart. The plan was to have Mason transferred back to St. Luke’s early this week but there were complications with the procedure.

While the device was eventually placed, the surgeon tried for three unsuccessful hours to feed the catheter through his tiny right leg. During this process, the surgeon nicked an artery in Mason’s right leg, creating a clot that hinders blood flow to his leg and foot. The doctors placed Mason on Heparin (a blood thinner) to hopefully restore the blood flow. While he has made some progress, there are still parts of Mason’s foot and leg that are receiving minimal blood flow. We are praying that blood flow will be restored completely and that Mason will be healed.

Mason, Allie and Steven (mom and dad) are holding on strong but they have a long road ahead of them. Allie and Steven have been at Mason’s side tirelessly. Because of the hospital stays and the degree of care Mason needs right now, Steven has been unable to go back to work at the moment and Allie has been working remotely. The medical bills and living expenses are becoming more difficult to manage. I pray that if you are able, you will consider donating to Mason’s cause. Every little bit will help the three of them on their journey and we would be forever grateful to each and every one of you.

Video of Mason