Learning to navigate life without sight

PORT CLINTON — Mason Fenton is no stranger to migraines. He had learned to live with them all his life. They were something he had to manage from a young age, but they began to worsen along with his balance and sight. After a string of doctor visits, Mason and his family learned a brain tumor would take his sight. "We didn't think anything of it," said Mason, referring to his headaches. "We never in a million years thought it was this," April Fenton, Mason's mother, added. The process of getting the diagnosis took about two months. He started by discussing what was going on with his family doctor, then an eye doctor and, finally, a neurologist in Toledo, who sent him into surgery late last year for the tumor, resulting in his loss of sight. When he and his mother heard the news, they had two different reactions. "You're kind of just in shock. You almost don't even process it," April said. On the other hand, Mason was more interested in when he would be able to eat, according to him and April. "I don't really mind what's going on," Mason said. "I'm not going to fight something I can't fight." Back to school Navigating life without sight came with a new set of challenges. On his first day back to school, Mason had a friend, Leroy Wadsworth, helping him navigate the halls, but he was walking too slowly for Mason's liking. He decided to walk ahead of Wadsworth and ran straight into a pole. That weekend, April ordered a cane. Mason also mentioned difficulties navigating the halls with other students. He described the halls as a game of chicken that he would win every time. Now, months out from his surgery, April described Mason as being in good spirits, but some days are better than others. "He does have his days where you can just tell it's getting to him," April said. "He feels stuck because he can't just go and do what he wants to do." Despite the changes, there is still a sense of normalcy in his life. He can still play video games, spend time with family and go out with his friends, who April said did not shy away after Mason's life changed. "It's just hard hearing him in his room talking to friends on Xbox, and everything is so normal-sounding. Then he comes out asking for help finding something," April said. "You almost forget for a quick second because that's how it was before. Then reality hits." An inspiration With his cane in one hand and the arm of one of his former teachers, Keegan Chapman, Mason was able to walk across the stage of Port Clinton High School's commencement ceremony. Now that he has graduated, Mason is exploring future opportunities. One of his interests is to become a youth peer supporter. He would help students in seventh through 12th grade who have anxiety or need someone to talk to, according to April. "This kid has handled this situation with a positive attitude and good spirits," April said. "I don't think I could have done that." April described her son as "inspiring," the same term Chapman used as a characteristic. "Being able to witness Mason overcome these medical obstacles has been nothing short of inspiring," Chapman said. "When Mason came to me a few months ago and asked if I would help guide him through graduation, I found it to be a great honor and agreed without hesitation." As evident in his reaction to receiving his diagnosis, Chapman also described Mason as "go with the flow" and someone you cannot help but root for. It is difficult to see what Mason has gone through, and no child should face what he has over the past six months, according to Chapman. He said Mason's story should stand as a testimony for other students. "We are not defined by the circumstances we find ourselves in," Chapman said. "Mason has shown to us all, through his effort and body of work as a student these last couple months, that he wants to be seen as someone with an incredible work ethic who is willing to do what needs to be done to achieve what he wants in this world."