The ask was for upwards of 40 people to be photographed wearing merchandise that said Mason United for a photo on First Street Community Center Field Sunday, Nov. 12.
The reality was nearly triple that number of support for Mason Kumley, with more than 100 people gathered for that group photo.
For Danielle and Dan Kumley, that support as they’ve been navigating Mason’s cancer diagnosis, has been a godsend from the community.
“I’ve volunteered for a lot of things in the Mount Vernon community, so I know how the community comes out and supports individuals,” Danielle said. “It’s just a totally different experience to be on the receiving end of that support.”
Danielle and Dan noted that there have been meal chains, volunteers to walk their dogs, mowing lawns, and other ways to support aside from the financial donations for the cause. The family has raised more than their request via CaringBridge and the Cause Team fundraisers, and they are leaving the decision on what to do with excess funds after cancer treatments to Mason.
The diagnosis of cancer was something the family had not been expecting.
“Mason has always been a very healthy kid, with mostly just a few colds that have needed some antibiotics to cure,” Danielle said.
Mason, 14 and a freshman at Mount Vernon High School, discovered the cancer in late September after attending Mount Vernon’s homecoming dance, noting his abdomen was a little sore that evening. After sleeping overnight and a shower the next morning, Mason noted that the pain was still present and not dissipating like he expected after rest and a warm shower.
“I asked him if the stomach was firm in any area, and he said yes,” Dan said.
The family made the trek to urgent care in Cedar Rapids, where Mason was diagnosed with stage IV Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer found in children. The tumor was in his abdomen, pushing on his kidneys and bladder.
Mason is currently undergoing 13 weeks of chemo, which will be followed up with radiation treatments and then a reimaging of the tumor to determine next steps.
Once the community found out about the diagnosis, they stepped into action.
Richard Lewis, who has been Mason’s coach on the AYSO teams of Mount Vernon soccer, helped with organizing the photo idea. The Cause Team, owned by the Rhomberg family (and former neighbors of the Kumley family) launched a campaign in early October in support of their neighbor.
“This is what makes this community such a great place to live,” Lewis said at the event Sunday, as he witnessed more than triple the support for Mason present on the field.
“We’ve been getting photos from people who weren’t able to make it to the event in those shirts from all over the world as well,” Danielle said.
“It’s been overwhelming the amount of community support we’ve received,” Dan said. “We are truly grateful and thankful for everything they’ve done for us.”
Jackee Austerman, photographer, took family photos of people in Mason United gear as well as organized and shot a large group photo for the Kumley family, one of Mason’s requests to see the support.
“My son, Zaye, has played with Mason on AYSO teams in the past,” Austermann said. “I would have donated my time and talent to any of the players who’ve played alongside Zaye just as well.”
Danielle and Dan said if anything to take away from their story – don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and if something feels out of order, trust your instincts.
“We were able to get a handle of this quickly because Mason noted something really felt wrong,” Dan said.
“It’s an act of bravery to ask for that help, and the community has really come through for us,” Danielle said.
Attendees sign a jersey for Mason at the event Sunday, Nov. 12. Soccer team members were also encouraged to sign the soccer ball.