TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — Floridians from all over the state headed north to experience the winter storm. Some had traveled from their homes in Tampa Bay.
Leslie and Michael Fox, along with their three young sons, packed up their snow gear and headed north to experience snow for the first time.
8-9 inches of snow sets record in Florida
The Fox family decided to make the trip in honor of their eldest son, Mason, who lost his life last February after a battle with leukemia. It was his dream to see snow falling someday.
“It was always his dream to see snow, play in the snow, go sledding, but we couldn’t make that happen for him,” Michael Fox said. spoke. “When we heard this storm was coming, we thought, ‘Let’s get his three brothers out, pack up, come out there and do it.'”
Leslie and Michael said they felt Mason’s presence right next to them.
“Last night, when it started snowing, we came outside and they were giggling and jumping up and down with joy. We really felt him with us,” Fox said. said.
Mason’s parents took us back down memory lane as they reflected on Mason’s personality. Michael told me a story about when Mason was in the hospital. He wanted to make a difference in the lives of those around him, especially other children who were also battling cancer. Mason set about collecting and purchasing toys for other children and delivering them door-to-door to hospitals.
Historic Deep South snow: The science behind it
“We started a foundation called the Smile Like Mason Fox Foundation, and each year we collect toys for children undergoing cancer treatment,” Fox said.
The Fox family will be heading to Washington, D.C. to participate in Action Day on the Hill.
“They recently cut $190 million from the federal budget for childhood cancer research, so we’re going to be heading to Action Day on the Hill soon. It’s going to be a couple of months. Later,” Fox said. “We’re going to go to Washington, D.C., talk to our local politicians, our senators and congressmen, and try to get funding back to help our children and find a cure and better treatments.”
Leslie, Michael, their three sons, and Mason Memories all found a way to experience this historic winter wonderland together as a family.
In memory of Mason, the Fox family, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Hillsborough County Fire Department, will participate in events scheduled in February to support families and children battling cancer.
