Ignited by Purpose:
The Driving Force Behind the Brain Renewal Project

The Brain Renewal Project isn't just an organization; it's a testament to the unwavering dedication and profound personal commitment of its co-founders, Lynda Helton and Madeline Gardner Meryash.

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For years, these remarkable women have poured their hearts and souls into championing awareness and propelling the frontiers of brain renewal research.

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Their passion, though shared, springs from deeply personal wellsprings. Lynda, a seasoned nurse and a successful small business owner who has spent over two decades providing vital scientific training to life science professionals, saw her world irrevocably altered when her five-year-old grandson suffered a severe acquired brain injury. This deeply personal experience ignited an unshakeable resolve within her to fight for better understanding and treatment.

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Madeline, on the other hand, has dedicated her entire professional life to empowering individuals with disabilities, focusing primarily on those aged 0-21.  Her extensive background in research, educational evaluations, unwavering advocacy, and impactful teaching has given her a profound understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by this vulnerable population.

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Long before their current endeavors, their shared journey began in an unexpected way. During their freshman year at Rockland High School, both Madeline and Lynda volunteered together at St. Coletta's School for children with Down Syndrome in Hanover, Massachusetts. At the time, they couldn't have known how profoundly impactful that experience would be, laying a subtle but significant groundwork for their future dedication.
 

Bound by a lifelong friendship forged since the tender age of five, Lynda and Madeline have channeled their collective passion into a powerful partnership over the past decade. Their shared journey has been marked by tireless efforts to elevate awareness and demand better treatment for individuals living with brain injuries. Their dedication is further evidenced by their recent four-year tenure on the board of directors for a non-profit advocating for those with severe traumatic brain injury.
 

Together, Lynda and Madeline are not just leading an organization; they are embodying a movement, driven by personal experience, professional expertise, and an enduring friendship, all united in the fervent pursuit of brain renewal.