In April 2022, my son Mason Carpenter was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Mason was previously diagnosed with Grave’s Disease. The doctor suspects Grave’s Disease masked the progression of his Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He wasn’t eating, became very ill, went to the Denver Health Adult Urgent Care Center, and was subsequently sent to the ER where a CT scan was performed, with the results emphasizing an increase in previously noted enlarged lymph nodes and the potential for cancer. Soon a biopsy would confirm this suspicion. After a PET scan, he was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This will be a long and difficult recovery with 8 remaining treatments scheduled through October 2022.

He had just started a new job before finding out about his cancer, which means he hasn't accrued time off. Let me note that his employer has been wonderful about his situation! Mason is a Master Mechanic and is paid commission based on his productivity. There have been many days of missed work, and he is currently regularly missing half of a pay period to doctor appointments and infusions (and recovering from their side effects). This makes it difficult to make ends meet while he works towards finishing chemotherapy. I'm asking you all to help him any way you can. I have also set up a meal train at https://mealtrain.com/9m8v25. Please consider bringing a meal if you live near him, buy groceries, donate or ask him if he needs a ride to an appointment. Equally as important, give him a call or ask if he wants a visitor.

Finally, please pray for him. Mason is my heart, my strongest supporter, and my best friend. He is the best big brother to Lacey, a loving grandson, cousin, and uncle. He is just beginning his journey to recovery from this disease and could use a helping hand. I plan to be with him as much as possible to help around the house and with his wonderful dogs, but Mason will also need some help from his friends!