Driving across the country has been a recurring theme for West Jordan residents and business owners Christine and Karl Mason.

In their most recent 5,000-mile cross-country trek in November 2024, they found themselves in Swannanoa, North Carolina helping residents to regroup and rebuild following Hurricane Helene that hit
in September.

A camper balancing in the top of a big tree and a dresser in the car wash of the local grocery store were both things that spoke to the couple of the devastation.

“The most striking thing after something like that is that you see all of these things that just don't quite fit right, and it just really brings to mind the level of damage that people had to live through,” Christine Mason said. “We got there weeks after the hurricane and flooding hit, and people were still shoveling and mucking out homes.”

Their camper in tow, the couple grouped with a volunteer effort that included about 50 members during the week coming from across the country including states like Wisconsin, California, Florida and New York.

Just their second day on site and they were able to leverage their connections at home with their son Tyler whose company donated a $20,000 communication system to assist with ongoing relief efforts.

Throughout their time there, story after heartbreaking story unfolded before them as they organized efforts to help mitigate flood damage, check for mold and help rebuild
the town.

“Most of them broke down in tears when we started talking to them, because their neighbors had been through the same thing, and so we just give them that emotional support and let them know it's going to be OK,” Karl Mason said.

A particularly impactful story that resonated with the couple was of a younger woman who had clung to a tree for three hours as she watched the river flood and rush past with destruction and bodies.

Hundreds are still missing.

“This instance is just one example of countless times these two have been there for those in need,” Tyler Mason said, Karl and Christine Mason’s son.

Their first trip to help after a Hurricane was back in 2011 when they volunteered in Texas for Karl Mason’s 60th birthday.

“Their motivation is not driven by recognition or glory, but by their personal belief that you’re there for your neighbors in a time of need—even if the need is across the country,” Tyler Mason said. “They've done some pretty remarkable things over the years and had massive impacts. And has, honestly, they have changed so many people's lives.”

The start of it all

Married at just 17 years old, the young couple just a few years later packed up everything and moved from Michigan to Utah where they’ve been ever since. It was a hard trek and they “broke down in every state between Michigan and Utah,” Karl Mason said.

The couple jokes about it now but as the trailer got a flat tire in Illinois after several other problems, Christine Mason told a police officer who stopped to help them at one point to “stay away” because they were bad luck. The police officer’s car wouldn’t start after stopping to help the couple.

“We had flat tires on our trailer, the transmission went out in the Bronco, and the transfer case failed—but every time we had a problem, we found a good person,” Karl Mason said.

That cross-country trip set a precedent for the rest of their marriage.

On family road trips, that road trip to Utah became an inspiration for the Masons to pay it forward by stopping to help everyone they saw on the side of the road.

“[The kids] hated going on road trips with us,” Karl Mason said with a laugh.

“All of our kids do pretty much the same thing we do,” Karl Mason said. “They don't travel yet, but they will one day.”

Tyler Mason said his parents always taught him the importance of being kind and helping wherever you go.

“Growing up with my parents, we were always going outdoors, being active, hunting, fishing, camping, you know, the typical Utah childhood,” he said. “But we always had that extra little bit that they bring to the table of caring for people.

“My dad has this weird knack for finding people. For whatever reason he was placed on this earth to help anybody and everybody with anything that they need.

“My dad is the epitome of jack of all trades, and paired with my mom, they're unstoppable.”

In 2025, they will celebrate 50 years, five kids, 12 grandchildren and a lifetime of service together, with a trip to Europe visiting England, France and Poland, where Christine Mason’s family is from.

There’s a good chance they’ll find someone to help along the way. λ