Al Copeland Foundation Testimonial: Mason’s story of hope battling ALL

Six-year-old Mason Fields is a vibrant, joyful little boy. Diagnosed with autism at just two years old, Mason had already overcome challenges and was thriving in ABA therapy, learning new skills. But in November 2025, their family was faced with a diagnosis that would change everything once again. 

Mason’s mom, Jackie, first noticed something was wrong on a Sunday evening when Mason’s lymph nodes appeared swollen. He had been sick before, but this time felt different. After multiple pediatrician visits, weeks of testing, antibiotics with no improvement, and countless unanswered questions, the family was referred to Dr. Thomas Flowers, an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist at Manning Family Children’s. 

“Dr. Flowers knew something wasn’t right,” Jackie recalled. “He sent us to Children’s immediately, and from the moment we walked into the emergency room, our entire life changed.” 

What began as an emergency room visit turned into a 34-day hospital stay starting in late November 2025. After several days of testing and monitoring, Mason was referred to the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, where his family finally received answers no parent is ever prepared to hear: Mason had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). 

Soon after, the family met their new oncologist, Dr. Molly Sonenklar, who reassured them they would not face the journey alone. Together with the nurses and staff on 4 West, she created a compassionate care plan tailored to Mason’s needs — caring for him not only as a patient, but as family. 

“It’s such an intimate situation to be in,” Jackie said. “These nurses were amazing, compassionate, and held our hand every step of the way. They worked around the clock to get us home by Christmas Eve. They truly feel like family now.” 

As the emotional weight of Mason’s diagnosis settled in, the family also faced unexpected financial strain. Jackie, a stay-at-home mom, and her husband suddenly had to navigate missed work, rising household expenses, insurance costs, and caring for their older child, a high school senior. That’s when they learned about the Al Copeland Patient Assistance Fund at Manning Family Children’s. 

“I remember the social worker telling us about the assistance fund, and it felt like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders,” Jackie shared. “This diagnosis was so unexpected. We had no idea what kind of help was available.” 

The Al Copeland Patient Assistance Fund provided critical financial support during one of the most uncertain times. 

“It was like seeing a small window of hope,” Jackie said. “A little rainbow in the middle of everything we were going through. It’s priceless. All of the help we received benefited our entire family because this journey affects all of us.” 

Throughout treatment, Mason has continued to show incredible strength. After entering consolidation therapy and moving closer toward remission, additional testing revealed concerning cells that prompted discussions about a possible bone marrow transplant. Thankfully, follow-up scans came back negative, and his care team continues to closely monitor his progress. 

Through it all, Mason has remained a true warrior. 

“Mason was already facing so much as a child on the autism spectrum,” Jackie said. “Now he’s not only a kid on the spectrum — he’s a cancer warrior.” 

Today, Mason is thriving, surrounded by a care team and community that continue to fight alongside him every step of the way. 

Looking back, Jackie says she wishes someone had told her in those terrifying early days that even when everything feels impossible, there is still hope. The assistance provided by the Al Copeland Foundation, as well as the incredible support of the care team at Manning Family Children’s, is a beacon of light during a dark time for the Fields family.  

“I know it can seem like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “But these doctors and nurses are working around the clock for your child. This journey changes you completely, but somehow, it’s going to be okay.” 

Learn more about the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Manning Family Children's>>

Learn more about the Al Copeland Foundation Patient Assistance Fund>>