“You will not let this beat you!”

When you tell Allyson Brown there are a lot of people especially keen to see her finish her PhD, she gives an earthy laugh and says “including me!”

As well as the normal vicissitudes associated with obtaining a doctorate, Allyson – one of Deakin University’s finest, home-grown, early career researchers - has been spending far more time in the company of doctors, neurologists in particular, than she would like.

In 2005, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and since then, has spent a lot of time in hospital and away from the laboratories of the School of Life Environmental Sciences at Waurn Ponds.

“The times after I was diagnosed have been incredibly difficult: the most challenging and strenuous in my life,” Allyson said.

“I have been in hospital more than 12 times and I have had a lot of time away from my research. Time it is always really difficult to make up. There have also been a lot of financial and personal issues so it has been pretty tough, even with all the support of family, friends and colleagues here at Deakin.

“However, there was also a stubborn voice in my head saying ‘you will not give up, you will not let this beat you’.

“There were a lot of tears and many times I wanted to admit defeat but I have now reached that point where I can think of my illness as a blessing in disguise.

“I have a renewed appreciation of and a zest for life.  I want to take every opportunity that’s on offer.

“I have already had three research papers published and I am two thirds of the way through writing up my PhD thesis. 

“I want to travel and become an MS Ambassador to encourage other people with the disease to achieve their goals.

“My message to everyone is even in difficult times, always aim high, follow your dreams and never give up on yourself.”

Even in those darkest moments, Allyson’s colleagues certainly refused to give up on her.

Chief among them is Professor Neil Barnett, who wrote a glowing reference for Allyson when she applied for the William and Elizabeth Fisher Scholarship she was ultimately awarded recently.

“Allyson really is a special person to have about the place,” Professor Barnett said. “She’s a real Deakin product, she came to us from Belmont High School and has had an exemplary undergraduate and post graduate career.

“We have learned, too, she is a stoic character, as I am sure she has to be. She also has an engaging personality and a dry sense of humour.

“Most importantly, she is a very talented researcher. She has a first class honours in forensic science and I believe a very rewarding and productive scientific career lies ahead of her.”

The William and Elizabeth Fisher Scholarship from the Australian Federation of University Women is awarded to Victorian students who are suffering difficulties as a result of illness or other disability.

“I am sincerely thankful for this Award,” Allyson said. “In the past three years, so many things in my life have changed.

“I am extremely grateful, too, for the wonderful display of support from my family, my friends and the people I work with here at Deakin.

“Science is all about new discoveries. So, I have found out, is life ... about yourself, and about the people around you.

“It might seem strange to say that I am lucky to have MS, but in some ways I am because of all the things I have learned since I was first diagnosed.”

Graduations are always occasions of great pride for the brilliant young people up on the stage and those sitting in the audience.

When Allyson Brown walks straight-backed in her academic finery across the stage in Costa Hall on the Geelong Waterfront in the not too distant future, the applause, even the odd cheer, of family, friends and colleagues will understandably be just a little more intense and appreciative.

“You will not let this beat you!”

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