Mason - March Update

Dear Friends and Family,

Just a quick update to let you know the latest on Mason.  We have talked with all the of the recommended treatment programs and have setup an appointment for an evaluation with Kennedy-Krieger Institute (KKI) in Baltimore for May.  It was the only facility where Mason could attend a day-program and go home with us each evening.

Once the evaluation is complete, we will be put on a waiting list for treatment.  There is a team of specialists that will develop a treatment plan tailored to Mason's specific needs.  In addition, they will train us how to incorporate the treatment plan into our home life.  This is one of the most difficult parts of any plan.  Mason will comply at therapy because he wants to please the therapists.  In addition, he knows that if he eats X then he can leave and won't encounter the food again for a week or so.  In the past, the desired behavior has not carried over to home.  So, if he ate carrots in therapy, he feels safe at home and doesn't eat them.  Finally, we will be closely followed by KKI to make sure that Mason continues to progress in a positive direction,  

We spoke directly with the Feeding Disorder - Program Director, Peter Girolami.  He was very reassuring and explained that a large number of children at their facility came in eating French Fries.  They are a food that appeals to almost everyone.  Through our discussion, he seemed to really understand what Mason is experiencing.  We will know more after our appointment in May.

Please pray for us as we start on a new adventure with Mason.  Again, he does not know this is coming and his anxiety will only increase. Please pray that he looks to God to ease his anxieties.

The Kerstiens

Mason at Discover Place