MASON'S STORY

In March 2024, at just 21 years old, Mason’s life changed when he experienced a seizure and was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive brain cancer known as Diffuse Hemispheric Glioma, H3 G34-mutant, WHO Grade 4. This cancer is so rare that it was only officially recognized as its own distinct tumor type in the World Health Organization’s brain tumor classification in 2021. Before then, many patients with this disease were classified under other forms of high-grade glioma because so little was known about it. Even today, researchers continue working to understand this uncommon cancer that primarily affects children, teenagers, and young adults.

What followed was a journey marked by incredible courage. Mason underwent brain surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trial treatment, and countless scans, appointments, and hospital stays. When the cancer later spread to the lining of his brain and spinal cord, our family refused to stop searching for options.

That search led us more than 1,500 miles from home.

We left Texas and temporarily made New York and New Jersey our home for more than four weeks so Mason could receive specialized proton radiation treatment. We lived out of suitcases, apartments, hotels, and treatment centers, spending our days traveling between appointments and our nights praying for more time. Those weeks were difficult, but they were also precious. We explored the city together, made memories we otherwise would never have had, and witnessed God’s faithfulness in ways we never expected.

The proton therapy did not cure Mason’s cancer, but it gave us something priceless—time. Time for more conversations. More laughter. More fishing stories. More memories. More opportunities for Mason to continue sharing his faith and encouraging others.

Throughout it all, Mason never lost sight of what mattered most.

His hope was never placed in a diagnosis, a treatment, or a prognosis. His hope was firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.

Mason spent his life being exactly what Christ called His followers to be—a fisher of men.

Whether standing on the bank of a pond with a fishing rod in his hand or sitting in a hospital room facing unimaginable circumstances, Mason pointed people toward something greater than himself. He taught us that faith is not the absence of storms, but the confidence that Christ is with us in the middle of them.

Every scholarship awarded and every boat launched in this tournament continues that mission.

We fish because Mason loved to fish.

We give because Mason loved people.

We gather because Mason brought people together.

And we carry on his legacy because a life lived for Jesus never truly ends. 💙🎣✝️

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT

If you or your spouse work for one of the 20,000+ companies offering Matching Gift programs, your employer will double or even triple your donation. Here's how:

Complete your company’s matching gift form. Our tax ID number is EIN 76-0530567.
Send your company’s form back to us via mail or email: director@cfsetx.org

For gifts of complex assets like securities, please contact:

Mellie Bevilacqua
Executive Director
409-833-5775
director@cfsetx.org

If you prefer to mail a check, please mail your check and make it payable to:

The Foundation for Southeast Texas
700 North Street
Beaumont, TX 77701

On the memo line, please write "Mason Henderson Memorial Scholarship Foundation"