The First Successful Cure of Multiple Sclerosis with Mesenchymal Stem Cells
In 2004, Louise Zylstra, a professional golfer, was competing in a Canadian Women’s Tour event in Nova Scotia when she began experiencing tingling in her left thumb and finger. Over time, she noticed her strength fading in one arm. By January 2007, her condition had worsened significantly, with severe weakness, balance issues, and diminished endurance.
That year, Louise was diagnosed with rapidly-progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Her prognosis was grim — her neurologist, Dr. Mark Freedman, an MS specialist from Ottawa, Canada, warned that within two years, she would likely be confined to a wheelchair.
Seeking hope, Dr. Freedman recommended a groundbreaking treatment pioneered by Israeli professor Shimon Slavin. The therapy involved using Louise’s own mesenchymal stromal cells, harvested from her bone marrow, cultured in a laboratory, and injected into her spinal cord.
“Primary progressive MS is a particularly challenging condition to treat,” Dr. Freedman explained. This type of MS, affecting 10–15% of cases, does not follow a predictable course and has no established treatment.
The situation was devastating for Louise. “When you think, ‘I might not play golf again,’ and that’s what defines you, it’s like, what am I going to do?” she told CTV News.
Eight months after traveling to Israel for the innovative treatment, Louise experienced a dramatic recovery. Not only was she walking again, but she had returned to the golf course. “It’s night and day,” she said. “It’s a complete 180 from where I was.”
Dr. Freedman was amazed. “She’s recovered substantial function very quickly. She’s out golfing and outperforming most people, which is remarkable,” he said.
While larger studies are needed to validate the treatment’s effectiveness, Professor Slavin emphasized the importance of early intervention. “The secret is to initiate treatment before irreversible changes occur,” he explained. The therapy also holds potential for other neurodegenerative diseases, ALS, spinal cord injuries, and even rejuvenating aging or damaged organs.
Thanks to this pioneering treatment, Louise’s health has completely returned to normal — a truly extraordinary outcome.
