A conversation with Janice Mason and the legacy of her brother David
Ask Victoria resident Janice Mason about her brother David and she’s quick to describe him as a central part of their tight-knit family. The youngest child of four, David was just another member of the family despite his complex health challenges. Remembered as a happy and outgoing young man, David’s legacy is now helping hundreds of Island families with complex needs to access essential care as well as outdoor recreation and play.
An active Island childhood
David was born in 1965 and was diagnosed with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, meaning he had a spinal deformity and abnormal fluid build-up in his head. Doctors told his parents that he wouldn’t live past five years old and should be confined to an institution. Refusing to envision that life for their son, David’s parents brought him home after four months in the hospital.
As medical technology to drain the fluid was not a well-established procedure in the 1960s, David’s head became enlarged. While in Ottawa, David came under the care of a neurosurgical team that inserted a shunt to drain the fluid and did a series of operations to reduce the size of David’s skull. He was paralyzed below his waist and had heart and kidney problems throughout his life.
David loved engaging with others, even while facing medical challenges. While at the hospital in Ottawa, David managed to learn French by connecting with his medical team and shocked his mother by translating for French-speaking nurses.
Being in a wheelchair did not stop David from being an active member of the family who loved being outdoors. Every adventure his family went on – from camping, to Beacon Hill Park, to beaches across the Island – David went on too.
Janice remembered, “One time, there was a ditch and we dragged him too close to the edge. The wheelchair topped over and he fell in the ditch. He was fine – he was so resilient!”
Tightly packed into their blue sedan, the family of six did a cross-country road trip from Victoria to Ottawa in 1969 for their father’s professional sabbatical before returning to the Island one year later.
David’s three older sisters brought him to their sporting events, outings, and visits with friends. While at Janice’s swim meets, David developed a huge crush on her friend, Judy, and would light up anytime he saw her. Janice remembers encouraging him to be the best version of himself that he could be.
Memories of the Queen Alexandra Centre
From the time he was kindergarten-aged, David listened to Barry Bowman on CFAX radio in the morning before getting on the bus, upon which he and his friend Jack, the Easter Seal Bus driver, schemed ways to surprise his mom after his school day at the G.R. Pearkes Centre (Pearkes) at Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health (QA).
Now supporting the early intervention and therapeutic needs of more than 4,000 Island kids every year, back then, the centre also had a school for kids with disabilities. In addition to his classes at Pearkes, David saw specialists for physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and other supportive health services while at QA.
While David loved his time at Pearkes and developed friendships with the other students, he was not permitted to attend regular school. His parents pushed for the school system to allow him to attend mainstream classes at his neighbourhood school. They were finally successful after years of advocating, and David attended junior high school for one week before passing away on a Saturday evening at the age of 17.
A lasting legacy for Island families
Through dedicated fundraising, the Women’s Auxiliary of the G.R. Pearkes Centre at QA contributed to a fund to honour David’s legacy. David’s mom and the other ladies of the auxiliary sold lottery tickets, sewed hand puppets, and made other items to be sold at craft fairs. Some of these proceeds were used to set up the David Mason Educational Fund.
The Fund operated for years as a bursary for post-secondary education for students with disabilities. The Mason family is now actively investing the fund in the community so it can be used to support kids to access care as well as outdoor recreation and play. This redirected focus is important to the family because they always did everything possible to give David the same opportunities as every other kid.
“My whole family is very active,” Janice said, “and we realize how important outdoor activities are to one’s health and wellbeing. It’s really important for us to help ensure that all families can experience similar opportunities to be together in nature.”
Making sure all kids can access care is equally important to the Mason family. While her parents had to invest a significant amount into purchasing special equipment and services for David, they were financially able to do so.
“I’ve been really lucky. My parents provided us with lots of opportunities, while juggling the challenges of caring for David. I know that not all families can do that for their kids, and so if we can do something to help, that would be very meaningful for us.”
The Masons are thrilled to be using a portion of the David Mason bursary funds to now support the Bear Essentials program, which is powered by both Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island.
Bear Essentials funds health care supports for children and their families, including travel costs associated with receiving health care outside of their community, medical or therapeutic equipment to address special needs, and therapeutic resources including specialized formula and non-insured medications.
When asked about her hopes for other kids like David, Janice said, “I hope that they can access what they need and what they want. It’s not just about what they need. I want them to have the opportunity to explore things and be able to go after the things they want, just like other kids.”
We’re a group of volunteers and startig a
new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us wkth valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you. https://Zeleniymis.Com.ua
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m
trying to get my site to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing
very good success. If you know of any please share. Kudos!
I saw similar blog here: Warm blankets
French President Fran莽ois Mitterrand introduced the Grand Louvre project in 1981, which included a redesign of the museum and the addition of space.
sugar defender official website
For several years, I’ve battled unforeseeable blood glucose
swings that left me feeling drained and sluggish. But because integrating Sugar Protector into my regular, I have actually discovered a significant renovation in my general energy and
security. The dreadful mid-day thing of the past, and I appreciate that
this all-natural solution attains these outcomes without any unpleasant or damaging responses.
honestly been a transformative exploration for me.
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
sugar defender ingredients For many years, I’ve
fought unforeseeable blood sugar swings that left me really feeling drained and tired.
But because integrating Sugar my energy levels are currently stable and constant, and I no longer
hit a wall in the mid-days. I appreciate that it’s a gentle,
all-natural strategy that doesn’t come with any type of unpleasant
adverse effects. It’s really changed my life.
Howdy, I do think your blog might be having browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent site.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written!
Right here is the right site for anybody who would like to understand this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic that has been written about for years. Great stuff, just great.
It’s nearly impossible to find educated people in this particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be useful to read content from other authors and use something from their websites.
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not fail me as much as this one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I truly believed you’d have something interesting to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you could fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.
sugar defender reviews Discovering Sugar Protector
has actually been a game-changer for me, as I have actually always been vigilant regarding managing my blood
glucose levels. With this supplement, I really feel encouraged to organize my
health and wellness, and my newest clinical check-ups have actually shown a substantial turnaround.
Having a reliable ally in my corner gives me with a complacency and confidence, and I’m
deeply glad for the profound difference Sugar Protector has
actually made in my well-being.
There is certainly a lot to know about this issue. I like all of the points you have made.
Right here is the perfect blog for anybody who would like to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for ages. Excellent stuff, just great.
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It is the little changes that produce the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and the rest of the site is extremely good.
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written much better! Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I will send this article to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!
You need to take part in a contest for one of the greatest blogs on the web. I most certainly will highly recommend this website!
Great information. Lucky me I found your site by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later.
Very good post. I’m facing many of these issues as well..
bookmarked!!, I like your site!
After looking into a handful of the articles on your site, I honestly like your way of blogging. I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site too and tell me your opinion.
I think your blog is getting more and more visitors.`.”*;
I like reading an article that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment.
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this website. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal blog now 😉
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m now not positive whether or not this publish is written by him as no one else understand such targeted approximately my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thank you!
It can be difficult to write about this subject. I think you did an excellent job though! Thanks for this!
I absolutely love your website.. Great colors & theme. Did you develop this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own blog and would love to know where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Appreciate it!
very nice put up, i certainly love this web site, keep on it
When I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Thank you.
You need to take part in a contest for one of the finest sites on the internet. I’m going to highly recommend this blog!
Great information. Lucky me I found your site by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
Increase this valuable because when a lot of people machinery are used world-wide and can add a number of them proof using its whole world may ailments specifically a result of the company at the twenty first a single. dc free mommy blog giveaways family trip home gardening house power wash baby laundry detergent
There are a couple of intriguing points at some point on this page but I do not determine if they all center to heart. There’s some validity but I will take hold opinion until I check into it further. Great post , thanks and then we want a lot more! Added onto FeedBurner too
I’m impressed, I must say. Really rarely must i encounter a weblog that’s both educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you’ve got hit the nail within the head. Your thought is outstanding; the thing is something which inadequate persons are speaking intelligently about. I will be very happy i always stumbled across this during my find something about it.
Very good information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later!
I like it. I will be waiting for any future updates to this article.
of course, diamond rings would always be the best type of wedding rings that you can give your wife;;
I’m impressed, I must say. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you might have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the problem is something that not enough individuals are talking intelligently about. I’m very blissful that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
you can always buy sports apparels online, you just need to choose your supplier carefully”
Hi there, I think your web site could be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent website!
A formidable share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in truth bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more details? It is extremely useful for me. Large thumb up for this blog post!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the website is really good.
Hello! I would like to offer a enormous thumbs up for your fantastic information you’ve got here during this post. I will be returning to your blog to get more soon.
I wanted to thank you a lot more for that amazing web page you have created here. It can be full of ideas for those who are truly interested in that subject, in particular this very post. You’re really all absolutely sweet along with thoughtful of others and reading your site posts is a superb delight to me. And such a generous surprise! Mary and I usually have enjoyment making use of your points in what we must do next week. Our record is a distance long which means that your tips are going to be put to beneficial use.
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not fail me just as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, however I actually thought you would have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something you can fix if you weren’t too busy looking for attention.
bookmarked!!, I like your web site.
Thank you for some other magnificent article. The place else could anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am at the look for such information.
Whoah this weblog is fantastic i love studying your articles. Stay up the great work! You realize, lots of individuals are hunting around for this information, you could help them greatly.
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me breakfast because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this subject here on your blog.
I simply encountered your site and loved this a lot. We saved it, continue the good work!
I discovered your blog post web site online and appearance several of your early posts. Always maintain in the great operate. I recently additional your Feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading a lot more from you finding out afterwards!…
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Regards!
Whilst I should recall substantially more text in comparison with prior to additionally to have to procedure jamming additionally to publishing each day, also to have to carry this swarmed shuttle bus to help classes for two time per week, When i appeared to be pretty content predominantly simply because I could truthfully research considerably expertise of which unquestionably not tutored with courses.
Aw, i thought this was quite a good post. In concept I would like to devote writing such as this moreover – spending time and actual effort to produce a great article… but exactly what do I say… I procrastinate alot by no means manage to get something done.
Good website! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
i prefer wall clocks with hanging pendulums because they look nice at home.,
i would alway prefer hotel rooms with flannel sheets and cotton beddings, i love the feel of those fabric’
Excellent site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Right here is the perfect blog for everyone who wishes to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that’s been written about for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just great.
Hiya, have you possibly pondered to publish concerning Nintendo DSi?
I like this post a lot. I will definitely be back. Hope that I will be able to read more insightful posts then. Will probably be sharing your knowledge with all of my associates!
my sister and i loves to read christian books because it inspires us to live life in its fullest“
Everyone loves it when individuals get together and share views. Great website, keep it up!
Thanks for this one of the best blogs i visit regularly. Keep it up.
I am often to blogging and i also truly appreciate your site content. The content has really peaks my interest. I am about to bookmark your blog and maintain checking for new details.
I wish to show thanks to this writer just for bailing me out of this type of challenge. Right after researching throughout the world wide web and obtaining methods which were not beneficial, I was thinking my life was done. Existing minus the strategies to the difficulties you have fixed through the short post is a serious case, as well as the kind which may have negatively damaged my career if I hadn’t discovered your web site. That know-how and kindness in taking care of everything was vital. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t come across such a point like this. It’s possible to at this time relish my future. Thanks very much for the expert and result oriented help. I won’t think twice to propose your web blog to anybody who needs guidelines on this issue.
Thank you, I have recently been searching for info about this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve found so far.
Hi I wish to to talk about the remark here concerning you to definitely have the ability to inform you simply how much i personally Liked this study. I must run off to aTurkey Day time Supper however wanted to leave ya a simple comment. We preserved you So will end up being returning following function to see more of yer high quality articles. Continue the quality function.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be interesting to read through articles from other authors and use a little something from their sites.
I am usually to blogging and that i really appreciate your articles. This great article has truly peaks my interest. I am about to bookmark your web blog and keep checking choosing details.
Excellent article. I am dealing with some of these issues as well..
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It is the little changes that produce the most significant changes. Thanks for sharing!
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe this website needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the information.
Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for info about this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve found so far.
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
When you have especially fair skin then you could notice which you are much more susceptible to moles. That is typical among people with lighter pores and skin and this is the cause why they ought to go to higher lengths to protect themselves in the sun’s dangerous effects.
I love reading a post that can make men and women think. Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment.
Wonderful post! We are linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.
My husband and i ended up being happy that Emmanuel managed to carry out his investigation because of the ideas he grabbed from your own blog. It’s not at all simplistic to simply choose to be giving away strategies which often men and women could have been selling. We really acknowledge we’ve got you to appreciate for this. The most important explanations you have made, the simple web site navigation, the friendships you will help instill – it’s got everything fantastic, and it is helping our son and us understand the subject matter is excellent, and that’s tremendously pressing. Thanks for the whole thing!
Some excellent secrets that can be learnt from the post. I have now come to understand that that a person can really be successful on this issue and acquire additional skills and qualities by reading a weblog like yours. Thank you for the interesting tips you’ve shared here.
Your article is truly informative. More than that, it??s engaging, compelling and well-written. I would desire to see even more of these types of great writing.
I want to to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to check out new things you post…
I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your information. This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.
I love it whenever people come together and share ideas. Great blog, keep it up.
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast due to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this subject here on your blog.
I don’t usually comment but I gotta tell thanks for the post on this perfect one .
Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..
Right here is the right blog for anybody who really wants to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that’s been written about for ages. Great stuff, just wonderful.
I love the tips on this site, they are always to the point and just the information I was looking for
Good day very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also¡KI’m happy to find numerous useful info right here in the publish, we want develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never seem to get anything done.