In Memory of Mason Roi Banlao Garma

Aloha,

This is Froilan & Roxanne Garma, parents of our beautiful baby boy Mason Roi Banlao Garma who passed away unexpectedly in his sleep in January. Mason had his dignified farewell late February, and this fundraiser will go towards paying the upfront costs and debt that was necessary for his funeral. Lastly, 25% of the donations will go to either GRIN2A research or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) awareness. We are still waiting for his genetic testing results for a definitive diagnosis and autopsy which could be a contributing factor to his early passing.

It is with heavy hearts that we come to you today to ask for your help. Our beloved Mason, who brought so much joy and light into our lives, passed away just before his 10 month birthday. We are devastated by this loss, and are struggling to come to terms with the fact that our little boy is no longer with us.

As we try to process our grief and pain, we were faced with the daunting task of arranging a funeral for our precious son.

We know that many of you have been touched by Mason’s story, and we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received so far.

Please donate whatever you can, and share our fundraiser with your networks. Every little bit helps, and we are so grateful for any support you can provide during this difficult time. Together, we can honor Mason’s memory and ensure that he is remembered with the love and respect he deserves.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and generosity.

With love and gratitude,

Mason Roi’s Family

Below is Mason’s story:

Month 0: 3/25/2022 “Our Beautiful Boy is Born”

Mason Roi Banlao Garma, born a happy full term baby boy on March 25, 2022. He was born at 6 lbs. 5.8 ounces and 19 inches long. The first month was beautiful, fun, and everything you’d expect from raising a baby. Mason Roi was loved.

Month 1: 4/25/2022 “Life Is Wonderful”

Life was wonderful for Mason and everyone around him.

Month 2: 5/25/2022 “Weight A Minute”

At his 2 month checkup Roxanne and Froilan got COVID and Mason’s grandpa and grandma on Froilan’s side watched him.

At Mason’s 2 month check-up his weight dropped severally off the charts, and we were very concerned. Mason wasn’t eating properly.

It started to get rough and we noticed his weight was dropping.

Month 3: 6/25/2022 “NG-Tube & Surgery”

Mason spent his 3-month birthday in the hospital for failure to thrive and was given an NG tube to help him gain weight.

In the hospital his parents would notice Mason’s oxygen level decrease to 80% frequently. His parents tried different sleeping arrangements and after the ENT and other doctors saw him, they found that Mason has a high arched palate that’s preventing him from eating correctly. On top of that, he had a smaller jaw than usual, and his tongue would flop back preventing him from also eating and now breathing correctly. After some trial and error his parents found that Mason’s oxygen levels were near 100% if he slept on his side or stomach to allow for his tongue to naturally fall forward or to the side. His parents solved one problem, but

found another...

While in the hospital we noticed, Mason’s left eye had cataracts. Which was a very rare condition. His parents’ hearts were worried even more, with the thought that our baby boy couldn’t see, process the world, and develop normally and without struggle. The longer his parents waited to have his cataract removed, the more of an issue this would be for Mason. Luckily, his parents were able to secure his surgery spot within 2 weeks. It was a scary experience for everyone involved.

This hospital stay was already ripping at his mother’s and father’s heart. His parents would take turns sleeping in the car and one staying with Mason. His parents ate, slept, and lived in the hospital, all for their baby boy.

So, after a long 9 days in the hospital, they finally left on June 1st to go home. But only for a day.

On June 2nd, just 1 day after getting discharged for failure to thrive, Mason went into surgery for his left eye to remove the cataracts. Luckily, he didn’t need to be hospitalized. By this time, it would feel like an eternity to his parents that their precious little boy would have gone through so much in such a short time. After the surgery Mason went straight home. Finally.... Some rest.

While Mason was home, his parents enjoyed Mason, but worried for their boy. They thought all was going to be okay now, because now he has his feeding tube through his nose to help with his weight gain. He got his cataract removed early, so he can process the world better. “He’s okay” is what they thought. But that was far from the truth.

Mason started to throw up a lot and too much. His parents were replacing the NG tube almost 3 times a day, and he wasn’t eating any of his milk. Just 7 days later on July 9, Mason went back into the ER to ask for help since he wasn’t keeping down his food. The doctors told us again, we must be hospitalized based on Mason’s condition. After some testing, we found that Mason had the parainfluenza which is a respiratory virus which mainly affects children.

While in the hospital we noticed his oxygen go from 100% to 70% frequently throughout the night. We raised these concerns to the doctors, and he was put on continuous oxygen for his first 3 days.

On the 4th to 6th day his oxygen levels would continue to drop but be less frequent and less severe. His parents asked the doctors for the possibility of taking home some oxygen for Mason, and to his parents' surprise they said he is okay and wouldn’t need it.

On July 15, after 6 days in the hospital they discharged Mason as his oxygen levels came back to normal, but we were still concerned.

At this time, his parents knew we had a boy with a complex medical history and 24 hour care. The current home that Mason lived in didn’t have enough room for his other grandparents to visit and stay over, so his parents moved into a new home so Mason’s grandparents who were all retired could help watch Mason. His parents were burnt out, and they needed help. His parents were scared, worried, restless, and genuinely concerned for the health of their baby. Despite everything, Mason continued to fight, and his parents' love for him only grew stronger.

Month 4: 7/25/2022 “Eat, Play. and Remove Cataracts #2”

As Mason came out of the hospital, he met his grandparents on Roxanne’s side for the first time. They stayed for two weeks helping Mason’s parents. During his first few weeks, Mason focused on gaining weight through the NG tube and spending time playing with his parents and grandparents. However, he struggled with the tube, often throwing up several times a day and sometimes even dislodging the tube. Despite this, he found joy in his play-gym gifted by his Nanay and Papa and a toy piano that he constantly kicked with his feet. His cute habit of putting his fist up like Superman and his fascination with his fingers brought joy to those around him. In August, Mason's family moved into their new house where he could grow and be near his grandparents. A week later, he had his second eye surgery to remove cataracts from his other eye, setting him on a path to continue exploring and discovering the world around him.

As Mason recovered from his 2nd surgery, he was surrounded by love and in his new home. His grandmother Yasmin on his fathers side flew down from Vegas for two weeks, then immediately after that his other grandmother Yollie flew down for three weeks.

Month 5: 8/25/2022 G-Tube Transition

Mason's fifth month was marked by significant changes in his life, but not all of them were easy. His parents noticed that he was throwing up almost every day, and his NG tube would frequently come out of his nose or mouth, making it difficult for him to get the nutrition he needed. They knew he needed to switch to a G-tube, but he had to gain weight first. In addition to this, Mason received his first pair of glasses, which he absolutely hated. His parents reflected, "It was tough to see him in glasses he didn't like, but we knew they would help him see the world better." However, the glasses didn't fit properly, so his parents had to purchase another pair online, which wasn't covered by insurance but they knew it was necessary.

Finally, on September 16, at 5 months and 3 weeks, Mason weighed 5 kgs or 11 lbs and was able to switch to the G-tube. The change in feeding tube had a dramatic impact on his weight and breathing, and his parents were relieved to see him doing so much better. Unfortunately, after surgery, and in the hospital, his oxygen levels would drop again to 70% like his other hospital visits, and Mason would struggle to breathe. He was hospitalized again for two days. His father reflected, "It was tough to see him go through all of that, but we were happy that the G-tube was helping him grow and develop as he should."

Month 6: 9/25/2022 “Milestone Month”

Throughout these challenges, Mason remained a happy baby. He loved to play and smile, and he was always eager to meet his milestones. He learned to roll over and pull to sit up. He was also overjoyed when he was able to stand at the side of his crib while holding onto the edge. Even though he didn’t learn how to crawl yet, he was ecstatic when he had assistance to jump and walk.

Mason was also allowed to eat leading up to his 6th month birthday. And although he had oral aversion, meaning any food, spoon, milk, or pacifier in his mouth would invoke his gag reflexes, his parents knew it was the only path forward off the feeding tube.

Month 7: 10/25/2022 “Play”

His grandmother on his mothers side he calls “Nanay” also flew down from Vegas and would stay till Christmas. Mason again was surrounded by help and love.

Last month he was hitting his milestones, and this month he started to flourish in happiness. Mason met with specialists every week: occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist. And, although it hurt his parents to see him go through so much, it did bring them great happiness to see him get the help he needed and it started to pay off. He practiced eating every day even though he didn’t like it. He practiced exercises to help build his core, so he could sit up in his feeding chair. He worked everyday towards his goals and finally he was able to eat more and more taking steps on beating his oral aversion. This brought joy to his parents, and even to Mason.

Halloween came, and he dressed up as Oogy Boogy from the Nightmare before Christmas. He didn’t cry as he was pushed around. He enjoyed it and he had fun. This month was fun. This month he got to play.

Month 8: 11/25/2022 “I Love You”

The 8th month is marked with more play. By this time, it is evident how much of a difference Mason’s life has been with the G-tube. He is less stressed. Throwing up less and focusing on what matters most: play-time. His parents watched Mason grow by sitting on his own and even attempting to put himself into a pushup position for crawling!

At this time he would learn to clap his hands when anyone says “clap your hands!” and it brought a huge smile to everyone including Mason. He is getting smarter everyday.

Mason would spend most of his days in his 8th month clapping his hands, eating without throwing up, smiling, and getting into a crawling position.

If you got the pleasure to see Mason crawl it would be the funniest thing to see. He would get up on all fours and just rock back and forth, strengthening his muscles and bringing him so much joy.

“I love you” was said to Mason so much that you can actually hear him mumble it back. This is his parents' favorite moment of Mason.

His 8th month was wonderful, and his parents were thankful to see him flourish.

Month 9: 12/25/2022 “Our Greatest Gift”

It’s the holiday season, joyous time, and Mason would travel to Las Vegas for the first time to see his grandparents and more family. As he traveled on the airplane his Nanay and Papa watched over him and he was amazing on the airplane. He was showered with gifts, love, and Mason showed off his new milestones to all his family that met him for the first time.

Returning home, Mason was again great on the airplane.

Back in Hawaii, Mason was again surrounded by love. His grandparents on his moms side stayed in Vegas after a long 3 months with him, and now his grandmother Yasmin flew down to help.

The year started off great, but Mason got a bit sick in the beginning of January. His parents would suction his boogers to help him breathe, give him the nebulizer to help him sleep. He has been sick before, and this one wasn’t different from the last.

Mason’s worst part of the sickness has passed. He would have almost a week of good days.

At this time Mason’s parents received news that Mason was born with a genetic mutation on his gene called GRIN-2A. Mason has all his chromosomes and all his genes. However, this particular gene had a misspelling. The complications associated with GRIN-2A would mean he has a high chance of having seizures starting at roughly 3 years old. GRIN-2A also causes abnormal spikes during slow-wave sleep. When his parents heard about this, they were devastated, but happy to know early so they could be proactive and not be surprised later down the line. Seizures could be prevented with medication and in regards to the sleep portion, his father sought to get a sleep study for Mason.

His father was very concerned with how Mason was sleeping so he scheduled an appointment with his ENT to get a sleep study done. However, the nearest appointment was about 6 months out! His parents expressed their concerns, but were assured he will be okay till then.

Month 10: 1/23/2022 “Just A Normal Day”

The night of Mason’s passing was just a normal day. He was surrounded by his grandma Yasmin, mother, and father. His mother just worked 2 days in a row, and was eager to get some sleep and spend the next 3 days with Mason. The worst part of his sickness has came and went. His father gave him the nebulizer every night even though he wasn’t sick, because he thought based on Mason’s anatomy of his jaw and nose that it would help open up his airways to sleep. He stayed up till 2 or 3 AM with Mason. His grandma Yasmin watched Mason and was with him till 5 AM, then got some rest. Mason has medication due every 6 hours, so at 6 AM when he was due for his medication, his grandma Yasmin woke up and suctioned his boogers. Mason has this electronic booger-suctioner, and he would cry every time it turns on. He hated it and knew the sound. But that time he didn’t wake up to cry. He didn’t move. He wasn’t bothered at all. He was picked up and wasn’t waking up. A scream of “FROILAN” was said by his grandmother. Froilan and Roxanne ran downstairs and saw Mason not breathing. Froilan did CPR, then Roxanne, then Froilan again. During CPR a bit of throw-up came out, but they weren’t sure if it was because of the pressure. Ambulance came and they took over and continued. After 3 epinephrine and some time, they transported him to the hospital. At the ER they continued. The ER hallway was packed and the sound of the monitors was beeping loud. The doctor came out and walked up to the parents. She said “it’s been an hour, and his pupils are unresponsive. He has no brain movement and we can’t get a heartrate. We can keep going, but you have to say stop.” Roxanne looked at Froilan, because she knew. Froilan didn’t want to say it. He knew that if he uttered the words “stop” it would mean calling for the death of his own son.

On Monday January 23, Mason passed away between 5 AM and 6 AM in his sleep. Sadly, Mason's journey in life was cut short. Despite his parents' best efforts, he passed away when he was just 2 days away from being 10 months old. It was a heartbreaking loss, and his parents were devastated.

But even though Mason's life was short, he made a profound impact on everyone who knew him. His strength and resilience inspired others to keep fighting, even when the odds seemed stacked against them. He loved nothing more than spending time with his parents and grandparents and exploring the world around him. And though his journey was not an easy one, Mason's resilience and determination inspired everyone around him.

In the end, Mason's story is one of love, courage, and hope. Even though he faced many challenges in his short life, he never lost his spirit or his sense of wonder. And his parents will always remember him as the brave little boy who taught them to cherish every moment and to never give up hope.