Sitting in his wheelchair, Lee Marten, a 48-year-old sergeant on leave from the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), gazes at the computer screen ahead, envisioning the movement of the cursor. Instantly, the arrow shifts as he commands mentally.
Using the cursor to type on a digital keyboard, Marten swiftly retrieves the latest Toronto Blue Jays score. He marvels at the futuristic essence of the technology, acknowledging its functionality.
On May 20, Marten became one of the pioneering Canadian ALS patients to undergo a Neuralink brain implant as part of a clinical trial at the University Health Network’s (UHN) Toronto Western Hospital. He joins a select group of individuals globally, with only 26 people having undergone this procedure so far, designed for those immobilized by ALS or spinal injuries. Two other quadriplegic Canadians and a dual American-Canadian citizen with ALS have also received the implant.
Owned by the controversial trillionaire Elon Musk, Neuralink has faced scrutiny, and the hospital’s involvement in the trial has stirred controversy. Despite this, Marten views the implant as an opportunity to enhance his quality of life and contribute to scientific progress that could benefit others.
Receiving a terminal diagnosis, Marten reflects on the limited outlook it offers. Embracing the chance to potentially improve his remaining time and pave the way for others in similar circumstances, he sees the procedure as a beacon of hope.
Marten’s journey to diagnosis commenced in April 2022 when symptoms surfaced while he was on bike patrol with the VPD. Initially attributed to a benign brain tumor, subsequent medical interventions revealed the relentless progression of ALS, a debilitating condition with no known cure.
Gradually losing mobility, Marten now relies on his hands for limited movement, controlling his electric wheelchair. As ALS advances, he faces the grim prospect of losing the ability to move, speak, and breathe independently, a fate he finds particularly distressing as he contemplates missing out on witnessing his children, Rys and Carys, grow up.
Having served as a sheriff and a reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces before joining the VPD, Marten’s wife, Lisa, took the initiative to explore treatment options online, eventually leading to Marten’s participation in the Neuralink clinical trial.
The procedure involved implanting over 1,000 electrodes into the brain’s motor cortex using advanced robotic technology. Despite criticisms surrounding the trial, Dr. Andres Lozano, leading the neurosurgery team at UHN’s Toronto Western, emphasizes the potential benefits of the technology in assisting paralyzed individuals with mobility.
Following the surgery, Marten, known for his resilience, adapted swiftly to working with the Neuralink device. Despite initial apprehensions over a procedural change, the successful completion of the surgery marked a significant milestone in his journey towards improved communication and quality of life.
Returning to Vancouver, Marten remains engaged in post-operative exercises to monitor the device’s functionality. Determined to maintain a connection with his family through music playlists and video games, Marten exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity, determined to make a meaningful contribution despite the challenges posed by ALS.
