London, Ont. mother seeks funding to buy wheelchair accessible van for teen son suffering from rare disorder

Mason Christiaens was born blind, but the 14 year old has never allowed his vision to get in the way of enjoying life. But on May 7, 2023, Mason woke up with his lower extremities paralyzed.

Mason Christiaens was born blind, but the 14 year old has never allowed his vision to get in the way of enjoying life.

His mother Ashlee Smith said that up until May of last year, he was a typical kid who loved adventure.

“He was completely normal, he has no vision perception but that didn’t stop him, like he’s been skydiving, he’s been skiing, he’s done more than anyone I know,” said Smith.

On May 7, 2023, Mason woke up with his lower extremities paralyzed.

“He’s like, ‘I can’t move my legs, and it’s hard to swallow,’ so I thought like, ‘Okay we’ve got to get to the ER,’” recalled Smith.

When they arrived at the hospital, Mason was quickly intubated and taken into the intensive care unit. He received a number of spinal taps, CAT scans, x-rays, ultrasounds and MRIs.