BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) -- Karns City High School quarterback Mason Martin collapsed on a field in Sept. 2023 and his recovery has been long, but a recent update from his father is "encouraging."
"The last week has been encouraging for Mason," his father, Denny Martin, wrote on social media.
Mason, who is currently at a medical rehab facility, is continuing to make improvements, small improvements, but improvements nonetheless, according to the latest update from his father.
Mason's agitation seems to be under control, his dad said. The blinds are lifted, the lights are on and he's watching television now.
Denny went on to say that Mason's drops in heart rate and oxygen levels have improved greatly with a change in his medication -- they are less frequent and less intense. He's currently sleeping at night with a BiPap machine that seems to help him at night which seems to improve his daytime alertness.
The last month has been challenging, Denny said. Episodes of agitation and desaturation make it difficult to string together productive rehab sessions, they the team has been great with working around it.
Mason is eating soft foods and taking larger bites. Denny said he's swallowing faster and generally enjoys his meals.
Instead of just following someone with his eyes, Mason is now able to turn his head, signaling his head control and rotation have improved vastly. Denny said he's demonstrated an improvement in core strength as well. The staff has leaned him to a side and he's been able to sit himself upright on his own.
Denny said Mason has been on a recumbent bike and a squatting machine. He's even been up and walking, with assistance, a few times.
"Despite hardships he has faced over the last month, he is still improving," Denny posted.
Denny went on to thank everyone for the "amazing support" and asked that people continue to pray for Mason.
Mason was the quarterback for Karns City High School when he collapsed mid-game against Redbank Valley in September 2023. His parents said he suffered a collapsed lung and a brain bleed. Tragically, Mason’s mother succumbed to cancer just a few short months later.