Kirsty McKenzie is a respected faculty member of Sheridan College’s Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences (Athletic Therapy) program. Many who have attended her classes over the years are aware that her sister, Cuileann McKenzie, suffers from multiple sclerosis. From teary Tuesdays to weepy Wednesdays, Kirsty has shared moments of inspiration and sadness about her sister.
Recent research conducted by Italian vascular surgeon, Paolo Zamboni, shows that chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) exists in the majority of MS patients. This condition is characterized by abnormal blood flow from the brain to the heart. Shear stress in the veins result in drainage reflux. It is thought that this leads to unusually high concentrations of iron in the thalamus and basal gangli. Iron deposits in the brain can cause inflammation and cell death.
Liberation treatment attempts to resolve CCSVI using angioplasty. Under conscious sedation, a small balloon is inflated in the veins to remove blockages. The risky procedure has produced some astounding results in relieving MS symptoms and improving quality of life. In particular, it has been known to stop further MS attacks, improve movement and reduce fatigue.
Liberation treatment is currently not available in Canada due to the limited research. Cuileann traveled to Rhode Island with Pam, her mom, and Dawn, her support worker, to undergo the surgery. As you can imagine, it is a costly venture for the surgery alone, not to mention the added expense of travel.
Rachel Leroux and Jaclyn Arduini, 4th year students of Sheridan’s Athletic Therapy program, are holding a fundraiser to help with Cuileann’s expenses. Yoga classes, dubbed “The McKenzie Method – Yoga for Liberation”, will be held on Mon, March 14 and Tue, March 15. Both sessions are held at 2pm in Sheridan College’s (Brampton campus) group fitness studio. All are welcome to attend. A $5 donation is recommended.
On February 22, Cuileann McKenzie underwent liberation procedure. Cuileann’s mom, Pam, reports the initial results:
“When I walked into the recovery room, my eyes were immediately drawn to Cuileann's legs that were relaxed with about 18" between her knees. (Normally spasticity causes her legs to press tightly against each other when she is resting in bed.) My normally pale daughter had a healthy pink glow and a big smile.”
“As afternoon turned into evening, it became clear that her overall range of motion had improved. This was especially noticeable when after taking a phone call from her bed in the hotel room, Cuileann swung her right arm over to the phone base on the left bedside table and hung up the phone without thinking twice about it. Previously, this would have been very difficult for her. Since that time we have noticed that her spasticity continues to show signs of improving.”
“as I was unpacking a few things I heard some distant conversation as Cuileann chatted on the phone with a friend. What started out as a chat in Cuileann's normal slow, deliberate tempo soon was soon turning into a very animated chatter - something that I haven't heard for several years. What a beautiful sound! Possibly a sign that the "brain fog" was lifting.”
“I opened the door to Cuileann's room to wish her good morning and found that most of the covers had poured onto the floor. This had never happened before. In the past, because of her spasticity, Cuileann would have had a very difficult time turning over in bed. But on that particular night she found herself moving around in bed more than usual.”
“Cuileann walked, with the help of her walker and walk aids (small devices that are worn beneath each knee and send an electrical current which helps her hold up her toes up when she takes a step, eliminating footdrop), non-stop for a distance of over 250 ft. - farther than she has walked in about 2 years.”
On behalf of Sheridan AT students, we wish Cuileann continued improvements!
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