Mason Nettleton, 6 years old

In August 2014 on a Thursday evening our amazing summer came to a screeching halt when my 4 year old son, Mason excitedly shared the news that he had "spiderman potty" aka blood in his urine.  A trip to the local urgent care that evening left us with no answers and by the next day we ended up being taken via ambulance to Seattle Children’s where our worst nightmare became a reality and we heard the words "your son has kidney cancer".  We were transferred to the Cancer Care Unit where our new journey would begin.
 
Two days after arriving at Seattle Children’s Mason had his right kidney removed by the amazing surgeon Dr. Kenneth Gow and had his port placed in his chest for chemotherapy.  By Friday Mason had his first chemo treatment and would continue chemo for the next six months.
 
Mason is truly our little superhero!  His smile always brightened up the room and his courage and determination to continue to play soccer and basketball despite having a feeding tube and bald head inspired kids and adults alike.
 
We feel beyond blessed by the care we received at Seattle Children’s.  Despite the anxiety appointments bring, we always look forward to seeing our amazing nurse, Sue Ehling, who Mason calls Dr. Suess.  She is more than a nurse to us and that is something that has truly made this experience unique.  We cannot thank her enough for the care and love she has shown.  We are also beyond grateful to our oncologist, Dr. Abby Rosenberg who we could not be more happy to have on our team!!  We are thankful to every person at Seattle Children’s who made this journey doable- we will never take for granted the care and love we have been shown.
 
Today Mason is a healthy and energetic 6 year old who loves all sports and is never short on energy!!  His contagious smile and love for life continues to light up any room he walks into!
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Seattle University's Dance Marathon has the special privilege of working with Miracle Kids from Seattle Children's Hospital, who have benefited from the Uncompensated Care Fund that our philanthropy supports. Our Miracle Kids and their families attend SUDM events throughout the year, including The Dance Marathon.