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.