Mason's Story

Mason
Age 4

New York
Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center
Diaphragmatic Hernia

Mason’s parents were devastated when they learned that their baby son would be born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Mason had a hole in his diaphragm that caused his liver, stomach, spleen and intestines to drift up into his chest squeezing his lungs and keeping them from growing. The condition has a 50 percent survival rate.

Three days after Mason was born, he was placed on ECMO, a heart-lung machine that helped deliver the needed oxygen to his body. Nine days later, Mason underwent major surgery to place his organs back where they belonged.

Since then Mason has endured several more surgeries, but you’d never know it by the constant smile on his face. He adores his doctors and even dressed up like his favorite surgeon for Halloween.

Mason and his parents have been among the hospital’s biggest supporters, rallying their friends and their community to support the hospital. Both Mason and his incredibly supportive family inspire everyone they meet.