Allie

Alison Eaton came into this world on the 28th February 1980 - the first child of Anne and Bob.
She spent her early years in Blackburn in a close knit community called the Dixon Grove Mob, many of whom are here sharing time with us today.
Her brother, Michael, was born three years later. They had the usual brother/sisterly love often sparring over little things and defending each other against outsiders. They were very happy times, lots of laughter, friends around, afternoons in the pool at her Grandparents home, or at the beach with her other grandparents; stealing the scene at Nursing Mum's meetings, toy library and playgroups.
Alison attended Pope Road kindergarten, where many of her childhood friendships originated.
Allie loved fantasy, pretend games and dressing up. For her fifth birthday she wanted to be a fairy and planned her birthday party around this theme. All her friends were commanded to wear garden character costumes and they did as they were told. Lunch was served on cabbage leaves and drinks were flower nectar. Allie had a Butterfly birthday cake and declared it the happiest birthday of her life.
Early school days were spent at Blackburn North Primary. It was a small school and very caring, much like an extension of the family environment she had found at Pope Road. Possibly her keen sense of community developed out of the close relationships at Blackburn North Primary School, Dixon Grove and surrounding streets. Many times games which were started at one neighbouring house continued at others as mums caught up with each other over cups of coffee. She loved school - always ready to be involved in anything, it didn't matter whether she was good or not, she had a ball - just being part of the team.
Alison was challenged by mobility problems all her life. This didn't stop her from giving absolutely anything a go! Her life was full of activities - callisthenics at Wesley in Box Hill, Brownies and Guides at 1st Kerrimuir, Sunday school at St Andrew's Box Hill and seven years with the Australian Girl's Choir.
She went, in Grade Six to Ashburton Primary and then went on to Camberwell High School. In the same way she had started primary school she started secondary - with a operation to lengthen her achilles tendons. At this time she was diagnosed with Emery Dreyfuss Muscular Dystrophy.
She loved much of her time at CHS and could usually be found wherever the next musical was being planned. Getting around at school was a challenge - nevertheless this didn't stop her from having roles in two school musicals and helping backstage with many others.
Her church involvement went from Box Hill to East Malvern where she had some happy times usually involved with children. It was true to say that wherever children were Allie would be there helping to look after them. At Church fairs our minister Wal Baker employed her as his " magican's assistant". He remembers with fondness her enthusiasm for that task!
Many happy holidays were spent camping, at Wilson's Prom, walking and exploring. Whenever we went for walks Allie would drag her feet unless there was a Ranger involved and then she would be right up beside them. When camping was no longer possible for her she expressed a gladness that she had experienced Wilsons Prom 'at its best'.
At fifteen she joined the First Hartwell Venturer Unit and decided that she wouldn't allow her physical difficulties to overcome her enjoyment of venturing. She loved this time of her life!! She took full advantage of the social life of this group and if Allie was nothing else she was an absolute social butterfly.
All through her adolescence she loved being with people, providing a sympathetic ear, always a good friend. She has some wonderful friends from her time as a 1st Hartwell Venturer.
When she was in year eleven Allie had an episode of glandular fever which compromised her heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy was diagnosed. If Allie thought that the past challenges were difficult the really serious ones were just surfacing. The Royal Children's Hospital soon became a very familiar place. She soon became adept at giving instructions on medical procedure, and many an unwitting hospital staff member received the sharp edge of her tongue - all in good grace of course!
Allie had a pace maker fitted at seventeen.
Her optimism never wavered, and rarely did her sense of humour.
As she grew older the Alfred hospital took over her health management, Health challenges frustrated Allie as she was so busy trying to enjoy life that she felt that she didn't have room to fit disability in as well. Her heart continued to deteriorate and she was placed on the heart transplant waiting list shortly before her nineteen birthday. And fourteen months later received a donor heart.
Allie spent two weeks in intensive care and another six weeks in hospital, followed by fun times at Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre learning to walk again.
Her heart transplant in 2001 enabled her to pick up the threads of life again and she continued her studies. She was currently studying VCE Physics and Psychology at Box Hill TAFE. Her community involvement picked up as well and she spent many hours as a volunteer with the MS Society and op shop helper with DonCare. She also became involved with the Futures program at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a program for young adults with muscular dystrophy. Scouting remained a big part of her life, she became a Rover at the Mullimbimba Crew. She was invested while she was in hospital for some treatment - the staff didn't quite know what to make of it! But they were impressed.
Her time in scouting was so significant - allowing her experiences she may never have otherwise had - hiking into Ritchie's Hut, lilo-ing down the Howqua River, dawn services at the Shrine, the list goes on...
About a year and a half ago she formed a relationship with a young man, Daniel, who has become very much a part of our family. Daniel and several other friends encouraged Alison's love of cars and the car clubs particularly teamAZM and the Astina Car club became a big part of Allies life. She spent time, often online, chatting to these and other friends, developing valuable friendships in many directions. It's lovely to see many of those friends honouring her here today.
Allie's health wasn't trouble-free and we were aware of some chronic rejection happening with her heart. We knew she would have to face a second transplant in the not-too distant future. On Saturday night the whole family attended a 21st birthday party held for one of the Dixon Grove mob, Jo. Alison caught up with many friends and had a very enjoyable evening. She came home earlyish (for her) and went off to bed and quietly died in her sleep in the night.
True to style she circumvented the bad stuff and left us on a high.
Here is a collection of Alison's qualities, offered by some family and friends as we sat around the table a couple of nights ago.

Snapshot of Allie Eaton

Allie always gave the best hugs.
She had empathy for everybody, loved to talk and always had a ready ear to listen
Her happiest birthday celebrations were with family and close friends
She was always happy to see people, loved spending time with her grandparents.
She was a legendary procrastinator
Favourite colours - purple and blue
Favourite movies - The Crow, Labyrinth, Rocky Horror Show, Grease, Les Mis, Moulin Rouge
Favorite drinks - Milo and Vodka - not together!
She loved:
her family
stuffed toys
partying
chatting on the internet with her friends
anything Gothic or Mythical
animals - Honey, her dog, and other peoples' cats
Sleeping in, (someone said her favourite outfit was her white towelling bathrobe)
little children.

Alison will continue to be loved and cherished by those who knew her, we are enriched by having been part of her world.
We will miss her at every moment and be reminded of her often.