Eleanor graduates with first-class honours - ABC News
Eleanor Beidatsch recently graduated with first-class honours in geoscience at the University of New England (UNE) as she pursues her palaeontology dream career. Eleanor is used to overcoming the odds, but even she thought a career in palaeontology would be a bridge too far. Eleanor has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1 and has never had use of her legs. Her arm movement is also limited.
"I cannot move myself around at all," she said.
"When I'm in the wheelchair I can move, thanks to the wonders of technology."
The disease, which affects her respiration as well as her mobility, was generally considered fatal by doctors when Eleanor was born.
But in what would soon become habit, she proved them wrong.
(May 2024)
