About Us

"Mighty Mason" Sieck was an extraordinary 7-year-old whose unwavering faith, joyful spirit, and compassionate heart left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Even while facing excruciating pain, Mason lived with courage, kindness, and a genuine desire to help others.

At just 2 years old, Mason was diagnosed with Gardner's syndrome. His diagnosis carried a 100% risk of developing colon cancer, a significantly increased risk of several other cancers, and the potential for desmoid tumors—rare soft tissue tumors that can be benign, locally aggressive, or life-threatening.

While many people with Gardner's syndrome develop only one or two desmoid tumors, Mason developed more than 40 tumors throughout his body. The tumors caused relentless pain and required highly specialized care from a team of nine specialists, including a nationally recognized pediatric desmoid tumor expert at the University of Minnesota.

In October 2020, our family received the heartbreaking news no parent should ever have to hear: Mason's disease had progressed, and the focus shifted from fighting his illness to keeping him comfortable and surrounded by love through hospice care.

We first tried hospice care at home, but Mason's medical needs proved too complex. His palliative care physician then introduced us to a pediatric hospice home in Minneapolis—a place that welcomed not only Mason, but our entire family. It became a sanctuary where we were able to focus on making precious memories instead of managing medical care.

The moment we walked through the doors at Crescent Cove, we knew we were exactly where we needed to be. We felt loved, welcomed, supported, and, for the first time in a long time, not alone.

The incredible staff cared not only for Mason, but for our entire family. They gave us the priceless gift of simply being Mom and Dad again instead of full-time caregivers. They encouraged us to make every moment count, creating memories we will cherish forever. Every morning, Mason would wake up with a smile and say, "Mama, I love it here." Those simple words confirmed that we had made the right decision.

Mason loved Crescent Cove so much that he said he wanted every child who needed a place like it to have one. Even at seven years old, his heart was always focused on helping others. That simple wish became a promise our family would one day fulfill.

After Mason passed away in March 2021, we knew we had to carry his vision forward. Every medically fragile child and every family facing hospice deserves a place like Crescent Cove—a place where they feel safe, supported, and surrounded by love. A place where expert medical care meets the comforts of home. A place where families can focus on making memories instead of managing medical needs, and where financial burdens never stand in the way of receiving compassionate care.

That experience changed our lives forever and inspired the vision for Mason's Light House: a place where medically fragile children and their families can receive exceptional care, find comfort, and create meaningful memories together when they need it most.

The name represents far more than a building. It is a promise to share Mason's light with every child, every family, every volunteer, and every caregiver who walks through our doors. His compassion, joy, unwavering faith, and love for others will continue to shine through every act of care, every moment of comfort, and every memory created within these walls.

Founded as a nonprofit on October 19, 2021, Mason's Light House is working to become Iowa's first pediatric palliative care center, providing both pediatric respite and hospice care. Inspired by our own experience, our mission is to ensure that medically fragile children and their families have access to the specialized care, comfort, and support they deserve—close to home.

Today, there are only 3 pediatric hospice and respite homes in the United States. Mason's Light House will help fill this critical gap in care, providing a much-needed resource for families throughout Iowa and the Midwest.

Our commitment to serving others began long before Mason's passing. Since his diagnosis, our family hosted the annual Mighty Mason Golf Tournament—his favorite day of the year. What started as a fundraiser to help with medical expenses and travel eventually grew into something much larger. Proceeds have supported Global Genes (rare disease advocacy), desmoid tumor research fund, funded scholarships for graduating Grinnell High School seniors, helped stock local food pantries, provided holiday meals for families in need, and supported various community groups/projects. Today, that same spirit of generosity continues alongside Mason's Light House.

We are currently awaiting final rezoning approval from the City of Iowa City for property located in the former ACT Campus area. Once approved, we plan to purchase the land within 30 days and begin bringing Mason's Light House to life.

We are also proud to have built a strong partnership with the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Palliative Care team, whose encouragement and support reinforce the tremendous need for this resource in our state.

As we continue planning, fundraising, writing grants, and sharing our mission throughout the state, we remain focused on one goal: creating a place where every medically fragile child and every family who walks through our doors feels the same love, comfort, and hope that Mason and our family experienced.

Because every child deserves a place to be cared for. Every family deserves time together. And every moment matters.