New Challenges

After a recent week-long stay at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, Darel still is working toward recovery from hearing loss in his right ear and continuing dizziness that is affecting his ability to move around without falling. So far... no falls. However, he'll meet with his doctors today and he'll see hearing specialists next week. At this point, he's still on the transplant list at UCLA and he's working to keep it that way!

Back on the "List"

Darel's doctors at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center have confirmed that they returned him to the transplant list on June 10.

That good news was tempered by the stark reality that what used to be a 5 to 7 year wait for a new kidney has now turned into an 8 to 10 year wait. Darel is in year #6 of that wait.

Finding a match remains a tremendous challenge... but Darel is diligently working his program and we'll continue to pray that the call comes soon...

There will only be one Ralph Mason. Our father was a bedrock of strength in a family that needed his steadfast care. Right now we're still feeling the heavy impact of loss since his passing on Saturday morning, April 16, 2011. Still, we're forever grateful for all that he gave to his family over the 76 years he graced this world. We love you, dad.

Living Kidney Donor Intake Program at UCLA

Darel called this evening to share what he has just learned about a relatively new program at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center.

The Living Kidney Donor Intake Program allows for two different prospective kidney transplant patients to utilize living donor kidneys from donors who may not match their particular need; but may be able to "swap" kidneys with another recipient in need of a transplant.

Rather than waiting for an exact donor match from an individual donor, this program allows for waiting families and friends to provide a kidney to a matching recipient with far less delay than through traditional methods.

We've placed links in our right-hand column for those who might want to learn more about this process.

In the mean time, Darel's staying healthy as he awaits the next transplant. This week he also got word that a much needed knee replacement operation will take place in April 2009. It's alot to manage... but this is all great news for Darel and he's very pleased with this promising update!

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!