In Honor of Mason Ryder Langlais

Mason Ryder Langlais lived his life with heart and a spark that made everyone around him feel something bigger.

At the age of 3, Mason was diagnosed with Dyskeratosis Congenita, a Telomere Biology Disorder (TBD).

Due to this rare diagnosis, Mason experienced several serious complications, including bone marrow failure, liver disease, and lung disease. He underwent a bone marrow transplant at age 4, a liver transplant at 9, and navigated countless medical tests, hospital stays, and procedures with extraordinary strength. Mason lived with more light and heart in his twelve years than most people manage in a lifetime.

Mason made people feel seen, known, and loved. He built LEGOs from hospital beds and made whole rooms laugh from behind an oxygen mask. He was a fierce friend, a little advocate, and a source of joy and courage for so many.

He was a light in every space he entered, especially in the Telomere Biology Disorder community. Whether he was cheering for others, helping with advocacy, or tearing it up on the dance floor at Team Telomere events, Mason brought people together in a way that made the community feel like family.

He wasn’t just rare because of his diagnosis - he was rare because of who he was.

We will carry Mason's light with us in every step forward. He will forever be part of Team Telomere, woven into our work and strides made for the TBD community.

Mason’s family invites you to honor Mason’s beautiful life by supporting the work he believed in - the work of Team Telomere.

Your gift will help others walking similar roads, support urgent research, and create brighter days to those impacted by TBDs.

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About Team Telomere

The mission of Team Telomere is to empower individuals worldwide impacted by Telomere Biology Disorders (TBDs) with information and support services, to advance improved diagnosis through education and advocacy, and to accelerate the medical and scientific community’s research in finding causes, effective treatments, and a path towards a cure.

The vision of Team Telomere is to see a world where every person impacted by Telomere Biology Disorders - including the affected individuals, caregivers, researchers, and clinicians - has accessible care, community, and resources, with the goal of positively changing the course of this disease, driving toward improved treatments and ultimately one day a cure.

About Telomere Biology Disorders

Telomere Biology Disorders (TBDs) encompass a group of rare conditions characterized by abnormally short telomeres.

These very short telomeres can prevent the ability of cells to divide normally, alter the ability to renew tissues and organs, cause changes in genetic material, or have other impacts across body systems.

TBDs can clinically manifest in a diverse array of manners, including bone marrow failure, pulmonary fibrosis, liver disease, cancer, and other complications.

The severity and presentation of these symptoms can vary significantly among individuals, often leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Timely and accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and proper treatment are essential for individuals affected by TBDs, ensuring the best possible outcomes and quality of life.