An Organization that Cares!

http://www.kidneyfund.org/

We are so grateful to learn of an organization that is demonstrating their commitment to support kidney patients with the help they need most.

Few organizations truly understand the limitations that many patients face on a day to day basis. Thankfully, the American Kidney Fund does understand and is helping to lighten the burden that these patients carry.

This week, Darel was honored with the award of a grant that will assist with his transportation expenses to the dialysis treatments he needs three times each week (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays).

We are thankful as well for the office staff in his treatment center who helped him connect with this special organization.

Once in a while... someone does something really extraordinary to support and encourage Darel. When that happens... an entire family cheers!

With Thanksgiving...
The Mason Family

Happy 52nd Birthday!

Darel's family gathered to celebrate his 52nd Birthday in Ridgecrest, CA. We're grateful for the supportive family members who have made all the difference. Those who were able to join Darel that evening included Wayne, Patsy, Geri, Rich, Boz, Betty, Moon, Mary Ann, Bud, Ronnie, Dave and Dad. Go Big D!

Honoring Dr. Robert F. Maronde

We are pleased to honor Dr. Robert F. Maronde (1920 - 2008), who together with Dr. Helen Martin helped to create one of the very first artificial kidney machines.

This early marvel was created in the 1940's, long before the first successful transplants were achieved. And yes... that's a stainless steel beer keg that you're seeing in the photo; being used as a reservoir during these early days of treatment for acute renal failure.

Dr. Maronde served at Los Angeles County - USC Medical Center; and helped to create one of the first community-based hospital care programs for the Latino community of Los Angeles.

He also graduated from Pasadena High School in 1937 and served as a ship's doctor while on active duty in the Navel Reserve in 1946-1947.

In 1968, he became the first chairman of the new division of clinical pharmacology at the USC School of Medicine, where he remained until retirement in 1990.

Here's to a pioneer who was able to think "outside the box" and in the process helped to draw attention to the entire field of treatment for kidney disease.

Can a Kidney Patient Ride Dirt Bikes?

In a word: ABSOLUTELY!

For many years, Darel, along with his brothers & cousins would ride dirt bikes in the California desert whenever possible.

Every patient needs to find their "thing"... and dirt bikes was one of Darel's!

Happy Birthday, Dad.

Before he really understood the extent of Darel's illness, the decision was already made. Ralph Mason had already committed himself to every effort that would be needed to hold our family together in the decades to come.

Few men are called upon to meet the demands of working long hours as a truck driver, coming home in time to coach our Little League baseball teams, finding time to handle the chores of the day, and surviving the pressure raising a family in the midst of a rapidly changing world. Add to that the resonsibility he carried for remaining confident in the midst of Darel's uncertain medical condition and we come to know a man who stands tall among the great men of our time.

He stayed. No easy way out. No shortcuts. His love kept him home and his commitment to each of us was the clearest demonstration of character that we will ever know.

On the occasion of his 74th birthday we honor our dad, Ralph Mason.

We love you, Dad. Happy Birthday!

a Pastor's prayer...

In the hours following Darel's kidney transplant in August 1969, one special visitor to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles will always be remembered.

Rev. Murray Morford was the Pastor at the Anaheim First Church of the Nazarene (then located near the downtown area at Lincoln & East Streets). Known as "Brother Morford" to those he served, this gentle giant also officiated at our parents wedding in 1954. He was a dependable friend during his two decades of service to that congregation.

When he visited Darel's room on the day after surgery, he prayed for Darel in such a way that it provides added confidence and strength even for this new hour of need.

We are grateful for a man who made the extra effort to drive to Los Angeles to see a patient he barely knew... yet one who would never forget his encouraging presence and faithful prayer.

Mom

Behind every kidney patient's survival... is one person who manages that care and fights to make sure that the patient receives everything needed in order to secure the strongest odds for recovery.

Marlene Clodt Mason was that fighter; the one who never gave up. We'll stop there. Words just don't cut it.

Rough on the Bones!

Every transplant patient knows the impact upon the body caused by medications which protect the kidney from rejection. The effect upon the bone structure can be severe, as it was for Darel. After several surgeries, Darel is still able to do most of what he wants to do, though it seems that around every corner is another needed surgery.

The process started early, and continues to this day... but Darel is a trooper; remaining optomistic throughout it all.

Healing the World... One Taco at a Time!

Darel's triumphant return from Childrens Hospital was among the best occasions we could imagine. Celebrated with a heapin' helpin' of mom's best home-cooked meal: TACOS! Perfection!!

Terri Salyer - Kidney Transplant Pioneer

This article describes the journey of our friend, Terri Salyer and her family. A great friend to all who knew her!

Father & Son Kidney Transplant Pioneers

Terry Ryan was only 12 years old when his father Marshall Ryan gave his kidney in an effort to save his son's life.

As with most transplant families, the Ryans were completely consumed with creating a future for Terry, a bright young man who was much loved by all who experienced life at Childrens Hospital together.

Terry and his father are gone now, but as this article describes, the bond that is created during a transplant is one of life's true miracles... as significant as the extension of life itself.

Darel Mason ... in a snapshot!

Just a quick summary of Darel's current situation. Waiting... but makin' plans for the future!

Thanks to all for your prayers and your support!

Kiel kidney dialysis machines

These Kiel filtration machines were developed in Sweden during the 1960's and were preferable due to their glass plate filtration system. Until that time membrane was wound around a mesh coil and was easily subject to puncture when filtering blood. This was a tremendous step forward for Childrens Hospital. Other hospitals would continue to use the membrane filtration system (manufactured in Irvine, Calif. by Bentley Laboratories, etc.) for another decade; cost effective perhaps, but not without increased risk.

Here, technician Ron Emerson prepares "the machine" for Darel's 1969 dialysis treatment; still necessary until the transplanted kidney began to function on its own.

World's Greatest Nurses

The nursing care that Darel received at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles was a major catalyst in his healing; particularly on the difficult days when it was tough to stay positive.

Here are two more of the best. Mom didn't recall their last names, but Pat & Ruth were fondly remembered as an encouraging presence on the wing. They approached their jobs with both professionalism and a sense of humor; both of which directly benefited each patient.

If anyone knows anything more about either Pat or Ruth, we'd enjoy the chance to say "Thank You" to them both.

Dr. Chad H. Calland

For several years our family would follow the newspaper reports of transplant patients throughout the country. Noted heart specialist Dr. Chad Calland would ultimately receive five kidney transplants between 1969 and 1970. This fifth and final transplant would last until his death in 1972.

Since receiving his kidney transplant in August 1969, Darel Mason has understood that the risk of rejection would always be a possibility. Fortunately, his transplant was successful for an astonishing 35+ years.

One of the major findings from Dr. Calland's experience was that doctors would discover that while they were pre-screening candidates for 12 tissue factors, there were in fact 29 factors that should be checked. This brought the success rate in kidney transplants from approximately 33% to 70% and higher.

For anyone who has walked through one transplant, they understand the difficult and risk involved in the surgery. We are grateful to those like Chad Calland who sacrificed so much in order that later generations might know early success in the transplant they receive.

Our Great Grandma

Catherine Bacus Caffee was born in 1879. Both her grandfather (Jesse R. Bacus Sr.) and her husband's father (Thomas Jefferson Caffee) fought for the Union in the Civil War. Here was a woman who knew something about the pioneer spirit and she modeled it confidently before her entire family (including 112 grandchildren!).

Still, never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined that one of her grandchildren would be confronted with kidney disease... let alone that his life would be spared through the miracle of a kidney transplant.

Grandma Caffee lived with our family in the late 1950's. She loved being near to her great grandsons, and we loved being close to her. She had more love than we could ever absorb. Life was perfect in her care.

Recently, we uncovered a note she had written on the back of a photograph (Christmas 1958) as she reflected on how concerned she was for Darel. Grandma was a member of the Anaheim First Church of the Nazarene and she nurtured the development of our faith in God. She prayed for each of us, but none more so than for Darel. She loved her little grandson so much and the great desire of her heart was for him to be well and to be happy.

We are pleased to report that Grandma Caffee lived to see her miracle. On August 14, 1969 she would receive word that Darel had received his transplanted kidney, just as she had prayed for so long. She never lost faith, and this woman of another century had lived to witness the impossible. Oh yeah, and man walked on the moon that summer as well.

Two years later, Catherine Caffee was gone. When our family met to determine how they should honor her life, they chose to direct their gifts to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Darel would later have the honor of showing us her name on the Befrienders Wall. Grandma may be gone... but not her love... not her faith... not her influence. We remain grateful to this day for God's provision for each of us in our Great Grandma Caffee.

Remembering Terri Salyer (1954 - 1999)

When we began this blog, we knew that many of the other young people who received kidney transplants in 1969 might no longer be with us. We were disappointed to learn that Terri Salyer had died in 1999, shortly after the 30th Anniversary of her first kidney transplant.

For any of the boys in Childrens Hospital at the time, Terri was a great friend and encourager. Her smile alone was enough to make any of these boys perk up. As a 14 year old girl, she was one of the oldest in the hospital that summer and she commanded the attention of each boy on the wing. She was kind, friendly, caring and understanding. Having had her surgery earlier in the summer, Terri was an old pro by the time several of the younger kids followed in her footsteps and she took the time to keep them motivated after their transplants.

Terri's kidney failure was related to the discovery of an obstructive urophy, or a urinary tract with congenital abnormalities. In addition, she would come to battle infection that would complicate matters, ultimately leading to her transplant that summer.

Terri's situation presents a valid reminder that early detection is critical in protecting one's kidneys from potential long-term damage. Such can often be the case today after the use of certain strong medications or antibiotics. Routine tests should be conducted by a physician in order to be sure that the kidneys are continuing to perform normally with no sign of deterioration. In many cases, kidney damage is avoidable with the right diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

We understand that her 1969 transplant was not her last, still after several surgeries, Terri died on September 20, 1999.

Some might say that 45 years is an exceptional life span for a kidney transplant survivor. Frankly, we're saddened that she is gone. She was one of the best on the team: The Childrens Hospital Class of 1969.

Home Dialysis: circa 1968

Here is an article from the Los Angeles Times dated December 2, 1968. While the prospects of home dialysis seemed to be an exciting prospect, it would seem that progress has been extremely slow due to the rising costs and complications that can make home dialysis a challenge for some. The projected annual cost for "at home" care in 1968: $17,000.

Also in this article, Dr. Harvey Gonick of the Southern California Kidney Foundation discusses the future of home dialysis care for patients such as George Lindsey (pictured here).

Remembering Manny Chavez

Manual Chavez may have been just a kid... but into any room he entered he also brought warmth, fun, and friendship. Anyone who met this pint-sized bundle of energy instantly became fast friends with him. He had a great sense of humor and everybody loved Manny!

Manny was one of the heroic young people whose life ended far too soon. The kidney he received that summer would ultimately be rejected, proving to be more than his body could handle.

Manny... you were loved and you are missed.

Round 2 for Darel Mason

While the rejection of his transplanted kidney after almost 40 years came as quite a shock, Darel has made the necessary adjustments in preparation for "Round 2." Admittedly, we may have come to take his health for granted, but Darel understands all that will now be required in order to prepare his body and mind for the journey which has begun. This time he approaches the experience with a similar kind of awe, yet from the perspective of a grown man with much more to give. He is now meeting regularly with a new team of doctors and surgeons at UCLA and has been placed on a waiting list that we are told may take seven years... or more.

Darel has determined that the challenge is one he has experienced before. He can do it again. He has the support and encouragement of countless friends and family members. We join him in praying for the day when the next call comes: "Darel, we need you to come to Los Angeles right away."

Darel Mason: Ace Photographer

In the days following his transplant, Darel was presented with this Kodak Instamatic 124 camera. Fortunately, no one escaped Darel's new camera. In the days to come, we'll be posting more of Darel's photographs from that famous summer of 1969.

Nurse on 5 East

Shortly after his transplant, Darel was presented with a Kodak camera that he used to capture images of the many friends he made while at Childrens Hospital. Mom was usually pretty good at writing names on the back of the photos, but here's one smile that hasn't yet been identified. We'll appreciate information from anyone who knows this FOD (Friend of Darel!).

Dr. John Stehly: "It's a Boy!"

It seems unusual today that a doctor would serve his entire career within one community, but that is the story of Dr. John Stehly.

Serving the Orange County communities of Anaheim, Orange, Fullerton and beyond... Dr. Stehly delivered thousands of babies across his 50+ year career. In November of 1956, he was called upon once again to deliver Ralph & Marlene Mason's second son. Between 1955 and 1959, Dr. Stehly would deliver all three of the Mason boys.

It was under the watchful eye of Dr. Stehly that a course of action was established that would eventually lead our parents to Dr. Edelbrock, Dr. Donnell, and to the staff at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. He provided the critical link that would open the door to a future for Darel that others couldn't imagine.

For one man whose skills and abilities matched his passion to care for young families... Dr. Stehly, our family will always be indebted to you.

The "New" Childrens Hospital Los Angeles - 1968

Dedicated on Sunday, September 29, 1968 the new Childrens Hospital Los Angeles building provided a reassuring presence within the community. Here was a clear demonstration that an investment had been made in the future of the children of Southern California.

The hospital's front entrance was even used as the setting for television's "Marcus Welby, M.D." starring Robert Young.

To our family, this building became a visible symbol of hope. Less than a year after the new building was compeleted, our parents received the telephone call they had been waiting for: "We need for you to come to Los Angeles right now. We have a kidney for Darel."

Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

Since its founding in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has provided families with the critical care that only a parent may fully appreciate. Theirs is a legacy of care that is positioned to respond well into the future.

"A Hero and a Warrior"... at Three Years of Age

Here, less than two years after an initial diagnosis of the birth defects that had damaged his kidneys, Darel began a journey that would require the courage of a champion and the strength of a warrior.  He would wait another nine years until advances in kidney transplant surgery intersected with his own critical need and ultimately brought him to Children's Hospital Los Angeles during the historic summer of 1969.  Yes... only days after men had first walked on the moon... this is Darel's own miracle story.

Our story begins...

Only weeks after the first men stepped onto the surface of the moon, our own miracle was about to unfold in Anaheim, California.

Soon after he was born in 1956 it became clear to Ralph and Marlene Mason that their son Darel wasn't experiencing the same health as their many other nieces and nephews. They would later learn that neither of Darel's kidneys were functioning properly. From his doctors' first report until the summer of 1969, Darel would hope for the day when he could participate in the medical miracle of the age: an organ transplant.

This is the story of Darel's heroic struggle to survive the odds in a time when there were far fewer certainties in transplant success than we know today. For over five decades, Darel Mason continues to shatter any obstacle that would challenge his optimism. He is a fighter. He is our champion.

Since Darel's 1969 transplanted kidney began to fail in 2005, he has found himself once again on the transplant waiting list; this time at UCLA as he awaits the telephone call that every transplant patient hopes will soon come.

This is also a tribute to each child who received a kidney at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles during those early years. In addition this is a salute to every parent, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, surgeon, doctor, nurse, friend... who shows up to care for the family who waits; who share in carrying the load that few others will ever understand.

For every gain at the expense of too many losses... we remember the unnamed heroes of our age: the children who blazed the trail for successful organ transplantation.