Our first IGF Hero, 11-year old Mason Clark Thomas, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2011, after a six-year battle with Neuroblastoma. After an emotional private service, the family held a Celebration of Life for the entire community at Charlottesville Ice Park. The space was filled with photos, friends, and colorful balloons symbolizing Mason’s contagious smile, ever-giving heart and courageous spirit.

Mason fought Neroblastoma for six years. He was a true inspiration to us all. Mason showed sincere compassion and concern for his family. Even through all of the pain he endured, Mason never complained and never gave up.

The family expressed deep gratitude to the community for all of their love, support and encouragement. They gave special recognition to the Neuroblastoma team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Center and to The University of Virginia Pediatric Hemotology/ Oncology Department, where Mason received treatments.

He is survived by his mother, Kelley Jean Kassay and her partner and Mason’s caregiver, James Michael O’Brien; his father, Scott Edward Thomas; a loving sister, Monica Paige Thomas; a brother, Parker Scott Thomas; his grandparents, Brenda Barrett, James and Lisa Kassay, Juanita and Francis Hunt, and Lawrence and Pam Thomas; an aunt, who Mason called his second mother, Jessica “Jesse” Rae Kassay-McAllister, and her husband, Mark; aunts, Penny Kassay and Shana Hunt; uncles, Kyle Kassay and his wife, Holly, Joel Kassay, Randolph Thomas and his wife, Eva, Shawn Thomas and Andy Thomas; two great-aunts, Nancy Honeywell and her husband, “Uncle Gary” and Debbie D’Agasciano; Danielle Musco “Aunt D”; cousins, Michael and David Ascenio, Andy Sarafina Kassay, Parker Heinemann (Mason’s best friend), Lorenzo, Riley and Jadynn “Jady Bug” McAllister, Liam Clark Kassay (named by Mason, due September 30, 2011), Colleen Kassay, and Randall, Hailey, Riley, and Skylar Thomas (per Mason’s request, due in August); and many other loving family and friends.

The Ishan Gala Foundation would like to thank all of our members for their donations and support given to the family of Mason Thomas. His family continues to inspire us with their dedication to this cause. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mason’s family and friends. Mason will greatly be missed by all of us here at