Research Log #4 - Solutionary Project 2021

Date: Feb 24, 2021

Name: Macie Tsang
Essential Question: How do neuromuscular diseases affect a child and their family’s lives?

Three Points to Prove: #1: Neuromuscular diseases can negatively affect mental health.

#2: Neuromuscular diseases make it difficult to receive/find medical care.

#3: Neuromuscular diseases make it difficult to receive a “normal” education.

Point that this Source Proves: #2

Excerpts (These should provide insight into the Point to Prove):

The research and trials are so extensive that the treatment is not available in all countries: “Canada is in the early
stages of research; we are about ten to fifteen years out . . . Unfortunately for many people, including myself, ten to
fifteen years out is just too long to wait” (McLellan 1:23-1:43).

Brynn needs to find another way to receive her stem cell therapy and “since they are not available in Canada, I have to
travel to the U.S. at a hefty price of $20,000 per treatment” (McLellan 6:46-6:52).

Brynn’s reaction to the treatment in animals was, “Now, I know that human trials require many more steps and
approvals than animals, but even then you can imagine my frustration when I found out I have to travel to a different
country when a common household pet can get them right here” (McLellan 10:57-11:08).

Analysis (How does this source support the Point to Prove?):

This video depicts the struggles that Brynn McLellan, a woman with muscular dystrophy, endures to get stem
cell treatment. One of the most effective treatments available for muscular dystrophy is stem cell therapy. Stem cells
are known to be enable the body to regenerate cells. The research and trials are so extensive that the treatment is not
available in all countries: “Canada is in the early stages of research; we are about ten to fifteen years out . . .
Unfortunately for many people, including myself, ten to fifteen years out is just too long to wait” (McLellan 1:23-
1:43). This lack of availability of stem cell therapy in most countries makes it difficult for adults and children with
muscular dystrophy to receive treatments. The second most effective treatment for muscular dystrophy is steroids;
however, the long list of side effects deters families from utilizing it as a treatment for their children. It is sad, but true,
that children and people with muscular dystrophy may not live to see stem cell therapy available in their country. If a
child has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and stem cell therapy will not be used in humans for another ten to fifteen
years, then the child must find another treatment or go to a place that does stem cell therapy because they will likely
die in that time frame.
Brynn is a part of the population that needs to find another way to receive stem cell therapy, and “since they
are not available in Canada, I have to travel to the U.S. at a hefty price of $20,000 per treatment” (McLellan 6:46-
6:52). The therapy is expensive because of the arduous process of extracting the stem cells from fat and bone marrow,
purifying the stem cells, and reinjecting the cells back into the body. Not only does Brynn have to pay $20,000 per
treatment, she must also pay for her airfare, hotel, and meals throughout her stay. This is not something that everyone
can afford, especially families with multiple children to provide for, whether they are affected by neuromuscular
diseases or not. As people with muscular dystrophy are unable to work, it becomes even more difficult to receive and
afford these treatments without financial help from other people.
More research needs to be done on stem therapy and other treatments for neuromuscular and degenerative
disorders around the world. In Ontario, a veterinarian hospital is able to use the exact same stem cell therapy to treat
arthritis in animals. Brynn’s reaction to the treatment in animals was, “Now, I know that human trials require many
more steps and approvals than animals, but even then you can imagine my frustration when I found out I have to travel
to a different country when a common household pet can get them right here” (McLellan 10:57-11:08). This
demonstrates that stem cell therapy and other treatments need to begin the process of becoming safety certified by
engaging in human trials so that people and families do not need to travel to other countries to receive the medical care
they need and deserve. It is understandable that not all countries have the capabilities to conduct such research and
treatments, but countries and hospitals that do provide these treatments should find ways to minimize the cost.
Families and people should not have to spend copious amounts of money on a treatment that might have the capability
to extend their or their child’s life span.

Work Cited (correct MLA format):

McLellan, Brynn. “Struggles and Triumphs - Living with Muscular Dystrophy.” YouTube, uploaded by TEDx Talk, 17
November 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GIAuzjVHvQ.

This is a reputable and reliable video because it was posted by TEDxTalks and videos from TEDx events must
follow certain regulations and are still reviewed by the TED company.