Karns City football player Mason Martin is returning to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital after some complications in rehabilitation, according to an update from his father on Wednesday, Nov. 8.

The Karns City Area Jr./Sr. High School senior was moved to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh for rehabilitation after undergoing surgery to put his cranial flap in place at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, according to Denny Martin, Mason’s father.

Mason was playing quarterback when he collapsed Sept. 1 during a game against Redbank Valley and was flown to UPMC Presbyterian to be treated for a brain bleed and a collapsed lung.

According to his father, Mason’s first week in rehabilitation was “eventful.” After some illness complications, he was moved to the ICU in Mercy Hospital.

“They ran tests such as scans, blood work and cultures for they suspected some type of infection,” Denny wrote on Facebook. “Wednesday morning, we learned that he tested positive for meningitis.”

He said the plan is to send Mason back to UPMC Presbyterian Wednesday to have his shunt removed until the meningitis clears. A shunt is a tube that drains fluid from the brain.

“He will now face the risks of at least two more surgeries into his brain,” Denny wrote.

He wrote Mason is not speaking, but is vocalizing, and he believes his son is close to a breakthrough.

“I can see it in his eyes when he looks at me. I can hear it in his voice when he tries to speak to me,” he wrote. “He is right there; he just needs a break from all these medical issues. In nine weeks, nothing has really gone right.”

In spite of obstacles, Denny said Mason continues to make small improvements.

“I feel like once he catches some green lights, he is going to take off. So back to Presby we go to knock down a few more walls,” he wrote. “The fight he shows me everyday is beyond words. Please continue to fight with him.”