Latest News

November 13, 2011

For all the latest updates, follow Brynn on Twitter! @StemCellsNBrynn.

November 9, 2011

Brynn is getting ready to travel to Miami, Florida for her third stem cell treatment! Read about it and more in her latest blog.

October 31, 2011

Status Update: I am noticing new tiny muscle in my legs and back. This is very promising and exciting. Without all the love and support I wouldn't be receiving these treatments; which I will have to have for many more years, if not life! So please keep the love and donations coming as my appreciation is indescribable!!

By tracking my improvements, the Stem Cell fund-raising team and I are hoping to create more stem cell awareness, and to educate everytone that there are non-controversial Stem Cell treatments available -- where stem cells are taken from the patients own body, and no one else's! Stem cells are powerful; they can improve so many diseases!!!

September 8, 2011

Yoga Studio opening to help stem cell quest

The Nepean/Barrhaven EMC has a featured article about the Barrhaven Yoga's upcoming Grand Opening on Sept 10th and how it's supporting Stem Cells for Brynn. 

Click here to read!

August 11, 2011

After reading Brynn's story, daughter Chanel made homemade lemonade and sold it outside her family's condo building. While spreading the word about Stem Cells for Brynn, she raised $50! 

Well done Chanel!

June 8, 2011

Brynn was a featured guest on EZ Rock's The Night Cap. Click here to listen to her interview!

May 30, 2011

Success Story: Brynn Mclennan

Algonquin College's School of Business featured Brynn as one of their alumni success stories! Click here to read.

April 5, 2011

Brynn caught up with Neil & Viv this morning on the EZRock Breakfast show!

Click here to listen! 

March 24, 2011

New dates posted for our 2011 Stem Cells for Brynn fund-raising events!

Get your tickets here!

March 19, 2011

Brynn's next treatment is scheduled for April 13, 2011. Stay in touch for updates!

January 31, 2011

Brynn's new blog is up! Click here to read her stories about her recent trip to Mexico for her first stem cell treatment. 

Aug 13, 2010

Brynn's interview is a feature story on today's episode of CTV's News at Noon! Click here to watch!

As most of you already know, I was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (M.D) when I was 12, and told I'd be in a wheelchair by age 16. Although I am still walking, it is difficult and very odd looking. The reason I am still able to walk is because of my mother, who has done everything in her power to slow down the progression of the disease. She is always making sure my quality of life is the best that it can be. I take many different types of vitamins -- some made specifically for my body; I go to physio 1-2 times/week, acupuncture, as well as undergo injections every 4 months. All these measures have helped to slow the progression of the disease that is deteriorating my muscles, but it is still not enough, and this is where Stem Cells come in.

Given the already positive reactions I'm getting from the above measures, my hope is that Stem Cells will have an even greater impact on the quality of my life (Read of an uplifting case study of a past stem cell patient here)

The particular type of M.D I have is called Facio Scapulo Humeral (F.S.H), which affects my face, shoulder/arms and lower torso. While I was born with the disease, it didn't appear until later in life. I had a normal childhood; I could walk and run like everyone else, and even played competitive hockey. Now at age 27 yrs....I can't do any of them.

There are a couple events taking place, and will continue to take place to help raise money for me to receive Stem Cells, which cost $45,000 per treatment, twice a year. While Stem Cell treatments are not a cure, I like to think of this as 'out running the disease'. If I can build up existing muscle faster than the disease can destroy it, I will be able to continue to walk and possibly start to do things I couldn't do prior to the treatment. So, as you can understand, the more donations and support I receive, the more often I can continue to receive treatments and maintain my health to the best that it can be. If you would like more information or to donate online/by cheque, click here.

Adipose-derived Stem Cells and Muscle disorders

Stem cell based therapies for the repair and regeneration of various tissues and organs offer a paradigm shift that may provide alternative therapeutic solutions for a number of diseases. This review focuses on skeletal muscle regeneration and repair by adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) with particular attention to their potential use as a therapy for disorders such as degenerative muscle diseases or skeletal muscle injuries. ASCs can differentiate into skeletal muscle cells in vitro either in co-culture with skeletal myoblasts. In particular, spontaneous fusion of ASCs and subsequent myotube-like formation was observed in early culture passages at high cell density. ASCs have also shown a capacity for myogenic differentiation in vivo.

In a  muscular dystrophy model, ASCs were able to restore muscle function following direct injection into the affected muscle as well as following intravenous systemic administration.

Of great importance is the finding that allogeneic ASCs injected into the damaged muscle were not rejected, even without immunosuppressive therapy. Because human adipose tissue is ubiquitous and easily obtainable in large quantities under local anesthesia with little patient discomfort, it presents an appealing source of stem cells for mesenchymal tissue regeneration and engineering.

Click here to read more about stem cells.