Heart of a Hero: A Mother's Letter to You about her son's Lansdowne journey
- Tamara Botting
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Chrissy Walsh, mom of Lansdowne Children’s Centre 2026 Heroes Walk and Roll ambassador Mason Bowen, wrote this letter sharing a bit about Mason’s journey and the experience he and his family have had with Lansdowne...
Mason was diagnosed at birth with a rare genetic disorder called Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome, which has caused him to have a severe intellectual disability.
We were suddenly thrown into a world we knew nothing about.
He spent several months at McMaster Children’s Hospital.
He had severe hypotonia, low oxygen levels, and was unable to eat safely without aspirating. During his hospital stay, Mason received a G-tube, which he continued to use after coming home.
When Mason came home from hospital, we were completely overwhelmed. We were learning to care for a child with needs we had never experienced before.
As we were learning about Mason’s diagnosis and how to care for him, Lansdowne Children’s Centre became one of our greatest sources of support.
Through feeding and swallowing services, speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, community support, social work, and so much more, Mason had an entire care team surrounding him. That team made an incredible difference not only in Mason’s life, but in the life of our whole family.
Lansdowne became a safe place where we did not have to explain why things were different; they understood.
They taught us things that we could take home and actually use in Mason’s everyday life. They helped us see what Mason could do instead of focusing on what he couldn’t. They helped me as Mason’s mother learn how to care for him, advocate for him, understand his needs.
Lansdowne always made sure I was never doing it alone.
I remember being told there was a strong possibility that Mason may never walk, talk, or eat normally. Today, after 12 years of therapy, encouragement, and support from Lansdowne, Mason is tube-free, walking, talking, attending school, and actively participating in his community.
Lansdowne helped me navigate a journey that once felt impossible. They gave us guidance, hope, and a team of people who believed in Mason and helped him reach milestones we were once unsure he would ever achieve.
It is difficult to fully put into words what Lansdowne has meant to our family, but I will forever be grateful for the care and support they have given us.
Being chosen as the 2026 Hero Walk and Roll ambassador means the world to Mason and our family. We are so excited for him to be part of the event, celebrate how far he has come, and help raise funds so Lansdowne can continue supporting other children and families the way they supported ours.
Mason has overcome so much in his life, but what I love most about him is that he doesn’t let his challenges define him. He’s happy, funny, loving and just loves being included. I think he represents exactly why these programs matter, because
every child deserves the opportunity to participate, be supported and to be celebrated.
If you would like to show your support for Mason and your appreciation for Lansdowne Children's Centre, you can make a donation to Mason's Heroes Walk and Roll fundraising, online at www.zeffy.com/en-CA/team/team-mason-heros-never-give-up
To learn more about the 2026 Heroes Walk and Roll event, visit https://www.lansdownecentre.ca/heroeswalkandroll
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