Sometimes the most amazing things come in the smallest packages. One of those is an inspirational young man named Mason Anthony Moore. Mason’s dad is San Diego Fire-Rescue firefighter Bill Moore.
Mason was born prematurely when he was just 23 weeks old, and he weighed just 1.25 lbs. Doctors gave him a 50/50 chance of survival, but survive he did, because, according to his dad, he is a fighter. Mason is about to turn 4 years old, and to get to this stage of his life, he has endured and fought back every step of the way. He spent four months in a Neonatal ICU. He’s been on a respirator. There has been bleeding in his lungs and brain. Cysts formed in areas of the brain which control motor function and coordination.
Eventually Mason was diagnosed with a form of Cerebral Palsy known as Spastic Dysplagia. As a result of his condition, he has undergone two hernia surgeries, four eye surgeries, had a shunt placed in his brain to drain excess fluid, had Botox injections in his legs, has medications administered several times a day and endures intensive physical and occupational therapy sessions. Despite all this, Mason cannot walk on his own and must use an assistive walking device.
Even with all these challenges, Mason remains a source of joy to his parents, family members and friends. The road ahead for him will be hard, but he’s a fighter. But even fighters need a hand once in a while.
Mason and one of his parents need to go to Ability Camp, where Mason will receive the best shot at learning to walk, live, learn and play like any child deserves to do. The San Diego Fireman’s Relief Association (SDFRA) and Firefighter Aid are sponsoring a drive to help Mason get there. To learn more, and give Mason a helping hand, go to http://sdfra.org.
