Parents wait for answer
Emma Tannenbaum
“Then Princess Leah gets captured, and they’re, like, we have to save her, and then, it’s like, um. …” Like many 9-year-old boys, Matthew Mason knows the Star Wars movies inside and out and enjoys recounting his favorite scenes.
Unlike other 9 year olds, though, Matthew has had to overcome odds stacked against him. His heart is on the right instead of left side of his body, causing lung collapses. He has no spleen, problems with his liver and stints in arteries that help prevent congestive heart failure. Matthew and his family are waiting for the results of recent tests for Williams syndrome, an incurable genetic defect that would explain a lot.
Matthew’s mother, Sarah, and father, Russell, want Matthew to live a full life without his medical issues getting in his way. Matthew is very active but tires quickly. The Masons realize their son will have to deal with many situations on his own. They encourage him to take responsibility for signing in at doctors’ offices, carrying his charts and test requests and knowing his medicines and the times he should take them.
As a special treat after they finish studying, Sarah takes all the children to Freeman Lake to feed the ducks. As she watches, Matthew runs around the park with his siblings and shouts in delight when the ducks swim toward the chunks of bread he tosses in the water.
Sarah smiles. “I just hope that we find an answer.”
A receptionist at Hardin Memorial Hospital directs Matthew Mason, 9, toward the waiting room. Matthew has an undiagnosed illness with multiple symptoms. Matthew's mother, Sarah, wants him to learn how to handle his medical treatments independently because he will most likely have medical problems the rest of his life.
Sarah Mason and her son, Matthew, 9, track the numbers posted to announce the next patient to get service. Matthew was being tested for Williams syndrome, hoping to get a diagnosis for his list of health issues.
Matthew Mason, 9, sorts through medications before checking his blood-sugar levels. Matthew's mother believes in healthy eating through limiting the intake of sugar and processed foods.
Matthew Mason, 9, encounters a range of emotions while making his way through a bowl of cereal.
Matthew Mason, 9, encounters a range of emotions while making his way through a bowl of cereal.
Matthew Mason, 9, encounters a range of emotions while making his way through a bowl of cereal.
Isabelle Mason, 7, and her mother, Sarah, share a moment while doing chores, while Matthew, 9, works intently to create a LEGO scene. Edt: Mac
The Mason family gathers for breakfeast before Sarah starts the children on daily school lessons.
Seth Mason, 3, left, his brother Matthew, 9, and family friend Rhinna Chabassol, 6, feed the ducks after a morning at the hospital. Matthew is being tested for Williams syndrome in hopes of finding an answer to his health issues.
Matthew Mason, 9, heads into Hardin Memorial Hospital with his family for a blood test to find the cause of his heart defect. Matthew's parents encourage him to talk with the hospital staff and medical professionals, so he can be comfortable in such situations as his medical conditions will probably require a lifetime of doctor appointments.
Matthew Mason, 9, loves the Spiderman cartoon character, and his school notebook for a family American Sign Language class shows it.
Sarah Mason leads her son Matthew, 9, and friend Rhinna Chabassol, 6, in music lessons. Sarah home schools Matthew and his three siblings. She recently changed Matthew to a computer-based curriculum because graphics and movement help keep his attention.