Mason, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome warrior

This is Mason.

Mason was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) intra utero. HLHS is a severe heart defect, where the left side of the heart does not develop and therefore function correctly. Mason's mitral valve is completely closing as a result, occluding his blood supply through his heart (mitral stenosis). Alongside this, Mason was also diagnosed with other cardiac abnormalities such as arch hypoplasia and aortic atresia.

Throughout Mason's development intra utero, his beautiful Mother Krystal had been working side by side with Mason's paediatric cardiologist and other specialists to plan many extensive surgeries over the course of a few years to correct these abnormalities, once Mason was born (due 27th September, 2021).

However, on the 24th July, Krystal's waters broke and was transports to Auckland City Hospital from Whangarei (her home town). Unfortunately, Mason decided to arrive on the 25th July at nine weeks early.

After many family discussions with the specialists, the cardiologist explained that surgery was no longer an option for Mason due to his extreme prematurity and undeveloped organs. A decision was made to transfer Mason back to Whangarei, to the Special Care Baby Unit via the Wespack helicopter for end of life and comfort cares.

Heartbreakingly, this is where we are today. All of Mason's medical equipment was discontinued on the 29th of July. Now we follow Mason's lead as he passes over, which will be within the next few days to two weeks as per the paediatric team.