Page 55 - Fish in OC Magazine 2026

MIGHTY MASON

A Journey of Courage, Community & Hope For A Cure

Photos Courtesy of Marcus Pyne - Officially Offshore

Mason Prather, known as “Mighty of serious complications. Mason’s life with Dravet can be—but also Mason—a nonprofit marlin-re- $500,000, and in 2025, they donat- many constraints—mobility issues,
Mason,” is a spirited young boy life has been shaped by hundreds highlight Mason’s and his family’s lease fishing tournament founded ed $682,000. In just three years, developmental delays, communi-
from Ocean City, Maryland. At just of seizures, many emergency room strength. in 2023. This event, held in Ocean Marlins for Mason donated over cation difficulties—but he also lives
four months old, Mason experi- visits, and repeated hospitaliza- City, Maryland, raises funds and $1.5 million, making it the single surrounded by a community that
enced his first seizure—a terrifying tions. He’s slightly non-verbal, but Mason’s mom, Amanda Prather, increases awareness for the Dravet largest donor to the Dravet Syn- loves him, a family that fights for
event that lasted about forty-five uses an AAC (augmentative and works as a physician assistant spe- Syndrome Foundation (DSF). drome Foundation. This money him, and a growing movement that
minutes. By seven months old, alternative communication) device cializing in primary care and emer- Every dollar raised directly sup- directly funds grants and research hopes for change. Every day with
after numerous, severe, and pro- to help express himself. Despite all gency medicine. When doctors ports research, aiming for better studies aimed at developing better Mason is a reminder of what’s at
longed seizures, developmental the hardships, Mason is described diagnosed Mason, she saw first- treatments—or ideally, a cure. treatments and ultimately a cure stake—and what’s possible when
delays, feeding and mobility issues, by his family as loving, curious, hand the limited treatment options for Mason and others impacted by people come together.e together.
he was diagnosed with Dravet Syn- and brave. and recognized a gap in awareness In its first year, Marlins for Ma- this devastating condition.
drome, a rare, lifelong, and often and research. Instead of feeling son raised over $312,000. The
devastating form of epilepsy. When Mason was about 10 months overwhelmed, she channeled that tournament grew in its second For Mason, life is a mix of chal- Join us July 31 - August 2, 2026.
old, one seizure lasted ninety min- energy into advocacy—for Mason, year. In 2024, donors contributed lenge and triumph. He lives with
Dravet syndrome is characterized utes, requiring doctors to intubate for other families, and for future
by frequent seizures, often resistant him. He almost didn’t survive. Mo- progress in treating Dravet.
to treatment, and increased risk ments like these reveal how fragile Their advocacy led to Marlins for For more information or to donate visit www.MarlinsForMason.com