7 minute read
Meet Mason Ellis
“From Injury to Advocacy: How Mason Ellis Is Supporting the Disability Community”
For Mason Ellis of Bloomfield, Indiana, life changed in an instant. A single-vehicle accident left him with a spinal cord injury that resulted in quadriplegia—partial or complete paralysis of both the arms and legs. But what could have been the end of a promising future instead marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Mason not only reclaimed his independence but is now using his story, skills, and heart to uplift others by navigating similar paths.
At the age of 28, Mason has spent his entire life in Indiana, growing up in the small town of Bloomfield near Bloomington. It’s where he formed close-knit ties, found comfort in nature, and learned to appreciate life’s simple joys—ties that would remain even when his world was turned upside down.
After the accident, Mason and his family were thrust into unfamiliar territory. Suddenly, routine activities became enormous challenges. His parents and loved ones stepped in as caregivers, helping with everything from moral and emotional support to managing all aspects of his care. In those early days, Mason needed support with almost every aspect of life. But right from the start, he had a goal: independence.
What many may not see about spinal cord injuries is that while outwardly they affect movement—mobility of legs, arms, or hands—that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Underneath are layers of challenges that affect everything from body temperature regulation to bladder and bowel function, emotional resilience, and the ability to adapt socially and mentally. Mason had to confront all of these, often with no roadmap.
One of the toughest parts for Mason and his family was not knowing anyone else in their situation whom they could get advice from. There was no handbook, no mentor waiting to guide them through the physical, emotional, and logistical maze of paralysis. Instead, Mason had to carve his own path. It took trial and error, perseverance, and countless hours searching for answers in online spinal cord injury groups. Facebook communities like “Spinal Cord Peer Support Worldwide” and “Spinal Cord Injury USA Group” became lifelines—offering encouragement, information, and most importantly, connection.
“Progress is slow, and improvement takes a long time,” Mason says. “You must be willing to adapt. Only compare yourself to yourself yesterday.” That mantra has carried him through the hardest days.
Mason began pushing himself to become as independent as possible. Slowly, his hard work paid off. Today, he handles nearly every aspect of daily life on his own—an achievement that seemed unimaginable at the beginning of his journey. From managing his own care to living independently, Mason’s progress is a testament to resilience and determination.
In time, Mason took that same energy and determination into his professional life. He graduated from Vincennes University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology, completing the program entirely online. The virtual format was ideal, eliminating the stress of navigating campus accessibility. He used voice-to-text technology to take notes and complete assignments—showcasing just how effective adaptive tools can be when paired with motivation.
He didn’t just graduate—he soared, earning academic honors and graduating summa cum laude. Today, Mason works full-time as an IT Specialist at NSWC Crane, using his skills to solve problems and innovate.
Outside of work, Mason stays deeply engaged in life. He’s a hunter and cherishes moments like harvesting a deer on his first hunt after becoming paralyzed, which he thought would no longer be possible. He drives a modified van using hand controls, giving him the freedom to go where he pleases. He enjoys fishing, playing video games, concerts, and creating YouTube content to help others adapt and thrive
in similar situations. His YouTube channel, with over 11,000 subscribers and 1.3 million views, has become a vital source of education and inspiration. Through videos, Mason shares everything from product reviews and tutorials to honest reflections on living with a spinal cord injury.
But his impact doesn’t stop there. Mason serves as a Peer and Family Support Mentor with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, offering one-on-one guidance to newly injured individuals and their families. The early days of postinjury, he explains, are often marked by confusion, fear, and a lack of resources. He remembers being sent home from the hospital with very little direction on how to cope physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. That’s why he chooses to roll alongside others, helping them build a roadmap through shared experiences.
“Life after experiencing a spinal cord injury can be very difficult, with many unknowns,” Mason says. “I hope to make the early stages of life after a spinal cord injury easier for others in similar situations, providing groundwork to start building a life you want and show that life can still be lived.”
“When my brother let me know that I was paralyzed after waking up in the hospital, I told myself that I was going to live life just like I would’ve able-bodied.” That has become the slogan for his YouTube channel, and he uses it to not let his paralysis prevent him from accomplishing his goals.
Among his proudest accomplishments are moments that once seemed out of reach: earning his high school diploma with academic honors, mastering a manual wheelchair, returning to work, driving with hand controls, graduating from college, and even being baptized. Each milestone became proof not just of recovery but of transformation.
His advice to others facing similar challenges is practical and encouraging to take it one step at a time, adapt continuously, and focus only on comparing today’s self with yesterday’s. These words have resonated with many in the online community who follow Mason’s journey.
His story is also one of family—both the one he was born into and the one he has built through community connections. His parents remain a vital part of his life, their unwavering support providing the foundation for his independence. But his broader “village” includes countless online supporters, fellow spinal cord injury survivors, and families navigating the complex world of disability.
Organizations like 180 Medical have also played a key role in Mason’s life, providing critical medical supplies and support. These partnerships ensure he has access to the tools and resources needed to maintain his independence.
What sets Mason apart isn’t just his ability to overcome but his commitment to giving back. His desire to ease the journey for others facing spinal cord injuries shows selflessness and maturity that speaks volumes. He doesn’t just want to survive—he wants others to thrive alongside him.
Mason is a shining example of how, with the right tools, mindset, and support, people with disabilities can lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. He continues to break down barriers, one conversation, one video, one act of kindness at a time.
For families who know nothing about spinal cord injuries, “It’s more than just not being able to move your arms or legs. There’s a whole invisible side—temperature regulation, nerve
