Mason : Senior

Life sometimes takes an unexpected, frightful turn. Nine months ago, Mason, the son of our neighbors Ron and Jen, was in a sledding accident. He experienced a traumatic brain injury, skull fracture and broken ribs and was rushed to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Doctors placed Mason into an induced coma to allow for his brain and body to heal. The family was left to wait by his side and pray. They knew the situation was troubling but remained hopeful.

Then Mason woke up. And although he was still sedated, he began to battle back. He started moving and speaking. Soon after, he was on his way to inpatient rehabilitation. It was here that he made huge strides in his recovery. Mason continued to impress his therapists and medical team, and after six weeks of therapy, he was released. He slowly returned back to school and starting to live like a typical teenager again.

Now, looking at this healthy and smart young man, you would never know the journey he has been on. It is nothing short of a miracle. Mason knows this, his family knows this and the community around them does, too. Being able to capture photos of him, a senior relishing his last year of high school, is quite an honor. Here’s to you, Mason, and all you’ve endured and how much you’ve grown because of it.