Sweet-faced Mason looks like a typical toddler – he loves Thomas the Tank Engine, The Wiggles and busting out, hilariously, to “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
“People say all the time – you’d never know, he’s just like a normal kid,” Ottawa mom Erika Godin said.
That’s until the 20-month-old’s lips turn blue as his heart struggles to power his little body because of a rare and complex congenital condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Godin explained. It’s been described as like having half a heart.
Born in an operating room to be close to specialists, the toddler already endured two open-heart surgeries, the first at seven days old, at Sick Kids in Toronto.
A third is on the horizon after mom and toddler travel to Toronto for a procedure in January, Godin said. Eventually, Mason may need a transplant.
It’s an emotional and financial ordeal for his single mom, who is reaching out for help with events including a fund-raising family Halloween party.
Godin, 30, is hoping to raise $3,000 to $5,000 with events this month to cover the looming cost of travel, accommodation if Toronto’s Ronald McDonald House is full, meals and medical devices. Even at home in downtown Ottawa, she has take Uber to CHEO for frequent tests and follow-up because Mason can’t take the bus – catching a cold could land him in the hospital.
While she’s grateful for Mason’s excellent medical care, expenses are mounting beyond what’s publicly funded. She’s been unable to return to work while caring for her son.
“It’s not enough,” Godin said. “It’s going to be life-long. I hate asking people for money, but the funding is not enough. Financially, emotionally, it’s draining.
“I just don’t think I can do it without help.”
Two events are coming up this month:
Oct. 20, 4-7 p.m., Chapters Rideau – 15 per cent of sales to those who register will go towards the cause at the free event for kids, who are encouraged to wear a costume, featuring story time, crafts and a visit with Elsa from the animated movie Frozen.
Oct. 22, 1-4 p.m. at the Olde Forge Community Resource Centre, 2730 Carling Avenue. Tickets – $10 for children, $15 for adults, $40 for a family – include a hotdog and drink, trick-or-treating, face-painting, games, a costume contest, DJ and a silent auction with prizes.
For tickets, visit: masonsgotheart.eventbrite.ca. Donations are also being collected at gofundme.com/erikagodinhelp