MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy goes to bat every day for Mason

 

Little Mason Hougland is perpetual motion personified.

The 4-year-old from Long Grove, Iowa, is the August 2025 MercyOne Genesis Home Runs for Life honoree.

Born three months premature, he has endured six brain surgeries, and at one time, he was suffering from 30 seizures an hour.

Mason’s mom, Alana Hougland, described her son, who also has cerebral palsy, as a “fighter.”

“He went from not being able to sit on his own until he was 2 years old, to now he’s crawling everywhere, climbing on things. He's using a device to help him speak. He is excelling in ways we never thought possible, so he's doing great.”

Mason has been working with the therapists at MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy (GOPEDS) since he graduated from the neonatal intensive care unit.

For the last year, Mason has been laser-focused on increasing his mobility following a major spine surgery. He underwent a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), which is a minimally invasive spinal operation that can permanently reduce leg spasticity and encourage independent walking in children with cerebral palsy.

“Before the surgery, Mason had stiff legs that prevented him from walking or moving with a very efficient pattern. He wasn't even sitting independently. The surgery was a big decision for his parents to make. Still, the outcome has been tremendous,” said Katie Powers, MercyOne Genesis pediatric physical therapist.

“After his spine surgery, he began attending GOPEDS five days a week, doing therapy daily to improve. He has made significant progress over the past year,” Alana said.

Erica Jansen, pediatric occupational therapist, says Mason has made significant progress since he began attending GOPEDS. “He now wants to move by supported walking and is better able to tell therapists what activities he likes or dislikes.”

Communication progress

Mason’s communication journey has not progressed in a straight line, according to his MercyOne Genesis speech therapist, Jennifer Berger.

 ”We always have to consider his physical abilities and visual processing,” Jennifer said. “He has made gains in other areas, which have helped him access communication.”

During his therapy sessions, Jennifer has utilized picture communication, sign language, and is currently using an iPad with a communication application.

“With the iPad, he can press buttons to tell us what he’s thinking or wants to say,” said Jennifer.

Mason understands much more than he can express. The biggest challenge is keeping up with his increasing language skills in a way that matches his motor abilities.

“As he improves with his fine motor skills, he's able to choose the buttons on the iPad and communicate more accurately,” Jennifer said.

Forever grateful for GOPEDS

 ” Without GOPEDS, I don't think Mason would have anywhere near the capabilities he has now. They have worked with him from the day he came home from the NICU,” said Alana.

“They were there when he was struggling to breathe, and now he is crawling, moving all over the place.”

Mason’s parents attribute his progress to the one-on-one sessions with the GOPEDS therapists. “They know him inside and out. They know him better than his doctors ever could. It's just really cool to see them go to bat for him every day and protect him,” said Alana.

Homeruns for Life

MercyOne Genesis Home Runs for Life honoree Mason Hougland, 4, of Long Grove, will be honored during the Quad Cities River Bandits game Friday, August 8, at the end of the 2nd inning. The game starts at 6:30 p.m., and the players from both teams will honor Mason during an on-the-field ceremony. In addition, a video about Mason will be played on the video board during the ceremony.

 

MercyOne Genesis and the Quad Cities River Bandits have partnered since 2016 to recognize the success stories of MercyOne Genesis physical therapy and rehabilitation patients.