With Mason Martin turning 18 on Saturday, his father, Denny Martin, said the family is accepting birthday cards to celebrate the occasion.

Martin said the family has been “so focused on (rehabilitation)” that Mason turning 18 hasn’t “hit yet.”

“We will be together as a family (to celebrate),” he said. “If not Saturday, another day.”

Five months after collapsing on-field during the third quarter of a football game against the Redbank Valley Bulldogs, the Karns City quarterback's recovery has ebbed and flowed.

Recently, Mason has started walking with assistance. He is able to communicate with his eyes and fingers and “eats soft foods really well,” his father said.

“It’s very encouraging … but it’s tough,” Martin said. “(Mason) could have a good week or we could get nothing out of him based on his health condition.”

Martin said he hopes progress will look more consistent in the coming weeks.

Birthday cards can be sent to Children’s Hospital, where Mason continues rehabilitation, online via UPMC’s website. Visit ecards.upmc.com.