Presque Isle family receives Cubby award
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A local family is the recipient of the $100 award for October from The Cubby thrift store, headquartered in Caribou, with locations in Madawaska and Presque Isle. Store owner Cindy Johnson was on hand at the Presque Isle store to make the presentation.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MASON DENNETT is being treated for what doctors believe is Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting speech and causing developmental delays. His family was the recipient of $100 from The Cubby in Presque Isle in October to aid with expenses related to his medical treatment. Pictured from left are: Jessica Dennett, Mason’s mom; Mason; his brother, Brayden; and Cindy Johnson, owner of The Cubby.
Mason Dennett, the 2-year-old son of Jessica Dennett, Presque Isle, is believed to have Angelman syndrome, a condition known by “severe developmental delay, speech difficulties, seizure disorders and more — yet they go on smiling,” according to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation’s website www.angelman.org.
“I knew something wasn’t right when at 8 months old he was still wearing clothing for a 3-month-old child, and he wasn’t rolling over,” said his mother. “I pushed for Mason to get into Eastern Maine Medical Center for testing. Doctors aren’t 100 percent sure but believe that’s what he has.”
In December 2012, Mason began testing at EMMC.
“At first they thought he was autistic because he was too social. My boyfriend, James Shaw, and I have been seeking treatment for him since, including physical therapy and more tests,” said Dennett.
Dennett said Mason has exhibited some of the symptoms association with Angelman’s.
“He has delayed speech and he’s had seizures,” she said. “There’s no cure, we just hope we can treat the seizures with medicine.”
Mason has been going to Circle of Learning in Presque Isle since June, working with a therapist on speech skills and other developmental areas.
“He can speak 50 or 60 words. He goes for speech, physical and occupational therapy,” said Dennett. “His speech has caught up some. We were using sign language to communicate for a while, but not so much now. Mason’s condition isn’t as severe as most (with Angelman’s).”
She said her son understands what is said to him but struggles with communication.
“Mason gets frustrated easily and has temper tantrums. He can’t always express what’s wrong,” said Dennett.
Dennett said the family sticks to a set routine.
“He’s very particular. If we don’t follow (the routine), Mason let’s us know it,” she said, noting his big brother, 5-year-old Brayden, “likes to be very involved with everything Mason does. He’s a big help.”
Dennett said although Mason turns 3 in December, developmentally he’s only at the stage a 1-year-old would be at.
She said the money from The Cubby will help with trip expenses.
“We travel a lot to Bangor and have gone to Scarborough to see Dr. Craig for Mason’s seizures. Mason’s had MRI’s and EEG’s. Those were hard because I’m not a big fan of sedating him but they needed to to keep him from moving,” said Dennett.
Dennett compared Mason’s seizures to a forest fire, which can come on in a flash.
“He has the sparks. When one comes on, he leans to the side. It lasts about a minute. During that time, he doesn’t respond. He falls sometimes and has poor balance,” she said.
She’s hoping to raise awareness about Angelman’s, which she said was once known as “happy puppet syndrome because those with the condition often smile a lot.”
Mason leads an otherwise typical child’s life, according to his mother.
“He likes going outside and has his own little lawn mower, and he loves to play soccer with his brother. He can’t wait to start school like his brother. When Brayden’s at school, it’s mine and Mason’s time. I try to teach him words. Overall, he’s very social and happy — waves at cars going by. The seizures worry me but one day we’ll get him where he needs to be” with the proper medication, said Dennett.
Dennett said she’s grateful for her boyfriend’s support, and that of her family, including her dad who Mason calls “Papa” his wife, Sandy, and Dennett’s mom.
She said right now her kids are her life.
“I’m invested in my kids — have another due around May of next year. My kids are my everything,” said Dennett.
