Yoga studio opening to help stem cell quest
Posted Sep 8, 2011 By Steph Willems
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Barrhaven Yoga owner Eryn Kirkwood, left, has decided to turn the opening day of her new studio...
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EMC News - The new owner of a south end yoga studio will be dedicating the proceeds from her opening day to a worthy cause - one which holds a special place in her heart.
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... into a fundraiser for friend Brynn Mclennan, right, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy. Mclennan is pursuing stem cell treatment to slow the onset of her disease.
Eryn Kirkwood, owner of Barrhaven Yoga, plans to hold a free day of yoga demonstrations at her 250 Greenbank studio on Sept. 10, with money from the raffle tickets and food going to help her friend Brynn Mclennan in her quest for stem cell therapy.
Mclennan was diagnosed with an aggressive case of Muscular Dystrophy when she was just 12-years-old - a disease that threw her body - and her life - into disarray as she entered adulthood. As her disease progressed, everyday life became harder and harder, but she remained positive and optimistic despite the pain and mobility issues.
Though she was told she would be confined to a wheelchair by age 16, Mclennan is still walking, thanks to the physical therapy and nutrition encouraged by her mother.
Kirkwood first met Mclennan through her mother, who was a student in one of the classes she held out of a Barrhaven church beginning three years ago. The two quickly became friends.
"We really connected right away," she recalls. " She's one of the most inspiring people I've ever met, especially the way she's able to cope with the challenges of everyday life."
While the exercise and therapy are keeping her muscles functioning, a more aggressive treatment is what's needed to improve her life in the long-term. As such, Mclennan researched her condition to understand the mechanics of the disease before researching her treatment options.
Stem cell therapy looked like the only way, as it would allow her body to produce muscle tissue faster than the disease can destroy it. She sees it as "outrunning the disease."
This therapy, however, is prohibitively expensive, $45,000 per treatment, twice a year, but Mclennan is pursuing it nonetheless.
The cause Kirkwood is supporting now has its own website, www.StemCellsForBrynn.com, which documents her condition and search for treatment.
Kirkwood was more than happy to do her part to support her friend, asking neighbouring businesses to contribute to the opening day raffles.
While yoga studios abound in Ottawa, as they do in most North American cities, Kirkwood is optimistic she will continue to attract clientele.
"Definitely there are a lot of yoga studios, but I'm not worried about competition," she said. " I have faith I'll get by and hopefully more than that."
The free yoga schedule on Sept. 10 begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 7 p.m. A number of instructors and classes will be held. All are welcome, and mats are provided.
More information can be found at www.BarrhavenYoga.com
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