Stuff.co.nz 6 March 2020
Family First Comment: In 2005 at age six Braden was diagnosed with ependymoma, an inoperable form of cancer which affected his brain and spine to the point where he was unable to walk. His son had a “stubborn streak”. He was given just a few months, but lived another 15 years
“It didn’t matter how hard things got for him, he’d just try again,” Ray Mason said of his son Braden, who died on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.
“When he could no longer do something because of physical constraints, he’d be upset for a few days and then he’d pick himself up and find something else, until he could no longer do that.”
In 2005 at age six Braden was diagnosed with ependymoma, an inoperable form of cancer which affected his brain and spine to the point where he was unable to walk.
His son had a “stubborn streak”. He was given just a few months, but lived another 15 years, Ray said.
Braden never let his illness or his wheelchair prevent him from loving life and trying new things, his family said.
“Even though he was in a wheelchair he gave jet-skiing a go, he did archery, he did drifting,” his mum Heather Mason said.
“Braden always collected for Child Cancer. He made that his mission.” She said he dug deep and did that even when he was feeling unwell.
READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/120029958/marlborough-man-and-inspiration-braden-mason-dies-after-long-battle-with-cancer