When Mason was inducted into the National Honor Society this year, he knew he wanted his service project to give back to the hospital that changed his life. Mason shares his story:
“When I was 4, I began to bruise uncontrollably, and red dots showed up on my skin. My pediatrician sent me to Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn. The amazing doctors and nurses diagnosed me with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, leading to a low platelet count and an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
Through the generosity of a blood donor, the next step was to receive an immunoglobulin transfusion. I was hooked up to an IV and couldn't walk or get out of bed while receiving this transfusion.
This is where the awesome people of the Child Life Department came in. These Child Life friends brought me coloring books, dinosaurs, Transformers, games, puzzles, and DVDs to keep me in my bed and getting better. They entertained me the whole time and the transfusion worked! My platelet levels began to rise, and I was on the road to recovery!
I was monitored at the hospital for the next year. Every blood test, every doctor visit resulted in a toy for me. Those toys didn't just magically appear. They were donated by generous people like you and me.”
Mason’s mom, Heather adds:
“For a kid with uncontrollable bruising to go on to play hockey and baseball is so amazing! We have never forgotten this scary time in our lives, and we seize every moment to have fun in this life! Couldn’t have done it without the incredible staff at Advocate Children’s Hospital! We are forever grateful. Life has a different meaning once you’ve lived through your child being really sick. It changed us forever!”
You can help kids like Mason
You can support kids and families at Advocate Children's Hospital by donating to Mason's service project.