AMY NGUYEN

My Journey with Mason Nguyen

In 2008, my son Mason Nguyen was born full term, healthy, and perfect. There were no complications—just joy, relief, and so much love. I held him and dreamed of all the moments we would share, never imagining how quickly everything could change.

Two weeks later, our world shifted. A trip to the emergency room turned into the moment we learned Mason had a heart defect. Everything moved so fast after that. We were immediately transferred to Stanford Hospital, where my tiny baby would face his first heart surgery. As a mother, there’s nothing that prepares you for moments like that—but I held onto hope with everything I had.

We spent two long months in the NICU. There were highs and lows, moments of fear and moments of strength. I watched Mason fight every single day. He was so small, yet so strong. He taught me what courage truly looks like.

After those two months, we were finally discharged. It felt like a new beginning—a chance to bring my baby home and start the life I had been dreaming of.

But that same day, everything changed again. We found ourselves back in the emergency room… and in a moment that will live in my heart forever, Mason passed away in my arms.

There are no words to fully describe that kind of pain. A piece of me left with him that day. But so did something else—an unbreakable love that will never fade.

Since then, I have been walking in his memory with March of Dimes. What an inspiring organization dedicated to helping mothers and babies. Through them, I’ve found a way to keep Mason’s spirit alive—turning my pain into purpose, and my love into action.

Mason Nguyen changed my life in ways I can’t fully explain. In his short time here, he showed me strength, resilience, and a love deeper than anything I had ever known. He will always be my baby, my heart, my reason.

My journey with Mason didn’t end that day—it continues in the love I carry, the steps I take in his honor, and the lives touched because of his story. He will never be forgotten.

Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. I'm walking in March for Babies because I want to do something about this. And I need your help. Please support my walk. Making a secure donation is easy: just click the 'donate now' button on this page. Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start!