MASON'S STORY

Mason Moses started complaining of headaches when he was 3 years old. He also seemed sensitive to bright light. Highly concerned, Mason's mother, Ivette, asked Mason's grandfather, an optometrist, to test his vision. A prescription for eyeglasses followed.

But even with glasses, Mason's headaches didn't go away. Next, he began vomiting. Every 12 days or so, Mason would wake up with a headache, vomit and then seem completely fine. Soon, the vomiting became more violent. When Mason's grandfather noticed a starburst pattern on Mason's optic nerve, the family knew something was very wrong, and got a referral to The CHOC Neuroscience Institute.

At CHOC, a MRI was ordered and Mason's parents' worst fears were confirmed. Mason had a brain tumor. The six-centimeter tumor was operable, but CHOC neurosurgeon William Loudon, M.D., Ph.D., couldn't promise that it wasn't cancerous.

Two days later, Dr. Loudon made a six-inch incision at the base of Mason's skull and removed some bone in order to excise the tumor. After the surgery, Mason's family got the news they'd hoped for: Mason's tumor was benign. However, the story doesn't end here.

Mason's tumor had caused some build up of cerebral spinal fluid in Mason's brain. A follow-up MRI showed that the fluid couldn't drain because the cerebral channel was still blocked. Dr. Loudon took Mason back into the operating room where he performed a second surgery - this time an intricate procedure that created a new drainage channel. With his expertise, Dr. Loudon was able to avoid placing a drainage shunt in Mason's brain; thus, preventing Mason from having to undergo years of long-term care.

Today, Mason's parents proudly call their son "perfect." He is a happy, healthy, 5-year-old who enjoys swimming, playing T-ball and hanging out with his older sister Darien.

Mason's father, Mark, has joined the CHOC Foundation for Children's Board of Directors. He and his company, Platinum Capital, are raising funds for The CHOC Neuroscience Institute. Additionally, he is training for an Ironman Triathlon and hopes to personally raise $100,000.

Mason helps his dad train (he rides in a special seat attached to his dad's bicycle), and he frequently drops off donations at the CHOC Foundation office. Mason is clearly following in his parents' philanthropic footsteps!