Newswise — When Mason Patterson was 15, he collapsed while taking a shower with what appeared to be a seizure. Mason was rushed by ambulance to a hospital near his home before being airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center with bleeding in his brain.
It was at Loyola that Asterios Tsimpas, MD, diagnosed Mason with artervenious malformation, or AVM. AVM is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins that is typically present at birth, but often goes undiagnosed. Mason immediately underwent surgery to relieve the pressure and swelling in his brain.
Because the AVM was on the right side of his brain, the left side of his body was affected. Mason spent the next month at Loyola before being transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. He returned to Loyola in March 2014 for a 14-hour surgery to remove the AVM. Since then, Mason has undergone weekly rigorous physical therapy sessions to help him regain full use of the left side of his body.
Thanks to Loyola’s help, Mason plans to join an estimated 2,500 people in the 4th Annual Health, Hope & Heroes 5K Run/Walk at 9 am on Sunday, June 14, on the campuses of Loyola University Medical Center and Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital located at 2160 S. First Ave., in Maywood, Ill. Race proceeds will support Loyola’s pediatric healthcare programs.
The 5K Run/Walk will be followed by a Children’s Hero Hustle at 10:30 a.m. This 50-yard dash is available for children ages 10 and younger. Area sports mascots and characters will be on hand to entertain kids as they race. Kids’ activities also will be held at the finish line area from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Race participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, and children will get a T-shirt and a ribbon. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided following the race.For more information about race logistics, registration and fundraising, visit www.loyolamedicine5k.org.
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