At 17 years old, he was paralyzed from the waist down. 3 years later, he competed in a marathon.
Three years ago, Mason Branstrator’s life took a dramatic turn. An accomplished athlete and avid skier from Minnesota, Mason faced a life-altering challenge during a routine ski jump at just 17 years old. “I remember thinking right as I left the jump, ‘I’m going a little fast,'” he recalled in an interview with CBS News. The fall that ensued resulted in a T-12 vertebral injury, paralyzing him from the waist down.
Despite the devastating prognosis in the ICU, where doctors informed him he might never walk again, Mason’s spirit remained unbroken. He spent nine days in intensive care before being transferred to Craig Hospital in Colorado, renowned for its paralysis rehabilitation. Over four months of rehab there, and ongoing treatment, Mason has made significant strides in regaining mobility and strength.
Mason’s journey of recovery is marked by his remarkable optimism, fueled by his parents’ upbringing to focus on the positive. “The first time I got in a wheelchair, I felt so free,” he shared. His wheelchair, which many might view as a limitation, became his symbol of freedom and independence.
Returning to his community as a beacon of resilience, Mason not only graduated high school as homecoming king but also pursued higher education at the University of Denver, located near Craig Hospital. There, he transitioned from patient to mentor, helping others navigate similar challenges.
Mason has embraced life with vigor, exploring the world of adaptive sports. He competes in wheelchair races, plays adaptive tennis and basketball, and has even surfed in California. His active lifestyle and indomitable will led him to participate in Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, where he delivered an impressive performance.
Through his Instagram platform, with nearly 270,000 followers, Mason shares his daily life, offering inspiration and practical tips to those with physical disabilities and beyond. His story has touched many, turning his dream of helping others into a reality. “There’s been multiple moments where I realized my dream of helping people has come true, and I’m living it out right now,” Mason reflected.
This heartfelt narrative is reported by Caitlin O’Kane, a New York City journalist and senior manager of content and production for CBS News’ social media team. Caitlin specializes in uplifting stories that showcase the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
