Mason Arik: Head for the Cure..step by step

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Head for the Cure..step by step

I don't even know how to start...the Head for the Cure 5K was awesome! I was so proud of Mason and the entire 13 members of Team Mason-we formed in just 2 days. Thank you!! Mason you made me smile every step of the way. And thanks to Carolyn, Angela, Jon and Jackson who walked along the way with Mason and me. Papa, Eddie and Maverick and Angie (Eddie's co worker) were the racers. Brandie volunteered for the Kids Race. And Ally and Mimi cheered everyone! At the award ceremony, Faith awards were given to those that are currently battling brain cancer. Mason received this award!! I don't even know what to say........Mason if only you knew how inspirational you truly are.
We are hoping to multiply the team participants by 10 next year. We will be more organized next year. How about 130 or more! Thanks, Head for the Cure and all participants for a memorable day. We can do it, step by step...

9 comments:

Anonymous said...: Count us in!!! 127 more to go!
Jon, Angie and Jackson; August 29, 2010 at 12:46 PM
Tara said...: That is awesome! I couldn't do it on such short notice, but I'd love to do it next year... hopefully with at least Aden, maybe more of us. So what, 125 more people to go? ;); August 29, 2010 at 10:35 PM
Unknown said...: Count me in again next year!! Next time as a runner or working again! It was nice to meet new people and hear how they are working for a cure. Although, we will need to add the remaining Tryban five in addition to me, so that takes the toll down to 120 more to go! Look at the progress you are already making, way to go!!!; August 30, 2010 at 8:53 AM
The Kempf Family said...: Awesome! Think we have a great team name too, Racin' for Mason!! Still feeling great, it was a wonderful walk.; August 30, 2010 at 8:54 AM
Anonymous said...: Racin' for Mason - I love it!!!!; August 30, 2010 at 11:38 AM
Unknown said...: LOVE that name!!! May we use it for Memphis t-shirts?; August 30, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Count the Menzies in for next year....that takes you to 115 more to go....!!!!!; August 30, 2010 at 7:22 PM
The Kempf Family said...: Great! We already have 20 more recruited, everyone just needs to invite a friend. Go Racin' for Mason!!; August 31, 2010 at 8:39 AM
Marianne said...: Wow. So glad to see you all enjoying yourselves together. I love your web site and all the gorgeous photos. It is nice seeing how well Mason is doing.
Marianne
Brendan's mom
dx 11/25/09; September 2, 2010 at 4:49 PM

Seasons of Wishes

About Mason Arik

To continue Mason's dream and his memory, we dedicate this blog to him. He has been diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma (Brain Tumor) (04/22/10). He courageously battled his cancer for 11 1/2 months. On March 29th, 2011, it was snowing in Heaven. He is and will be missed forever. We will continue to write and share the strength and courage that Mason has taught us as well as the many other lives he has touched, near and far. Links are listed below to provide additional information regarding DIPG.

Discovery of Tumor-Dx April 22, 2010

Beginning in March of 2010, Mason complained of severe headaches, mostly at night. Then the headaches went from 2-3 times a month (over a 2 month period) to every night and more severe, by the 3rd night I contacted his pediatrician. I was told to give him Excedrin Migraine.

But by the next day we were walking to school and he had double vision- Thanks to the school nurse, we scheduled an appointment that day with Sabates eye care. After his eye was dilated they noticed his eyes were shifting. An immediate MRI was scheduled.

After the most agonizing MRI, we went home awaiting the results. That's when we were told it was a tumor (pontine glioma) We waited to visit the doctor before researching the internet. So imagine the shock to hear this is the worst locations to find a tumor, inside the brain stem. (inoperable and unfortunately very serious)