For Stuart Pollon, the pain began in 1985.

He was 17 years old when a serious industrial accident damaged the nerves in his lower leg. For more than five years, he needed crutches and canes to walk, and he became so desperate for relief that he asked doctors if amputation was an

“It was unbearable,” says Stuart. “I was willing to consider almost anything if it meant the pain would stop.”

Over several years, Stuart saw 23 different doctors. They told him amputation could worsen things due to the possibility of phantom pain. They even discussed cutting his spinal cord, disabling his leg to reduce the pain.

Then, in 1990, he saw a local news story about Dr. Krishna Kumar, a Regina neurosurgeon working with electronic spinal cord stimulator implants. Stuart asked for a referral and became Dr. Kumar’s patient. In the same year, at the former Plains Hospital in Regina, Stuart underwent a temporary implant procedure to see if the technology would work for him. The results were immediate!

“My leg pain was gone,” says Stuart. “It changed everything.”

A week later, he received a permanent implant. He learned to walk again, returned to university, completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree and ultimately became a Chartered Professional Accountant. More than three decades later, he is on his third implant, still benefiting from the same life-changing care, free from pain medications.

For Stuart’s wife, Marilyn Braun-Pollon, her medical journey began in 2008.

Marilyn was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). By 2021, neuropathic pain in her feet had taken over her life. Walking and sleeping were extremely difficult. She had to leave the job she loved, and her days revolved around pain medications, infusions and nerve blocks.

“I was living in four-hour increments,” says Marilyn. “My pain controlled everything.”

The couple returned to the very same neuromodulation clinic that changed Stuart’s life many years ago, now led by Dr. Joseph Buwembo. In August 2022, Marilyn was recommended for a spinal cord stimulation procedure. One year later, she underwent surgery. It was a resounding success. A 50 per cent pain reduction is considered successful; Marilyn experienced 95 per cent.

While Marilyn continues to deal with the daily challenges of living with MS, she says, “I have been off all pain medication for my feet since January 2024. That still feels incredible to say.”

Their deep gratitude led Stuart and Marilyn to make a $100,000 gift to Hospitals of Regina Foundation in support of Dr. Buwembo’s research, which demonstrates the ability to place the stimulation device in one surgery instead of two, providing patients with advanced care sooner, right here at home.

“We know what this care can do,” says Stuart. “We have both lived it. Supporting this work means other people may have the same chance we had.”

For Marilyn, the reason to give is simple.

“Once you live through something like this and come out the other side, you can see how you can make a difference,” she says. “Donations literally change lives right here at home.”

For anyone considering a gift, Stuart and Marilyn are direct.

“Get out your wallet,” they say. “We are thankful we can pay it forward in a way we know helps people. Hospitals of Regina Foundation does tremendous work identifying community health care needs and connecting those needs to people who can help.”