Fighting Fate

by Justin Yerbury

Justin Yerbury made a promise to his mother while she was dying of motor neurone disease (MND) that he would do everything he could to find a cure. MND had already taken several members of Justin's family, and he learned that they carried a rare genetic form of the disease that gave them a fifty-fifty chance of inheritance.

Desperate to help his loved ones, Justin went to university to study science, eventually becoming a professor of molecular biology at the University of Wollongong and one of the world's leading experts on MND. While in New York, delivering a lecture on his groundbreaking research, Justin felt his thumb stop working - 'the beast' that had lurked so long in the shadows had caught up with him.

Now 99 per cent paralysed and able to move only his eyeballs, Justin refuses to yield. With eye-tracking software, he has written his extraordinary memoir to shine light on this terrible disease and to show that, even in the bleakest of moments, there is always a reason to keep fighting.

All proceeds from this book will be donated to Fight MND.

Genres: Nonfiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2023

About the author

Justin John Yerbury AM (3 May 1974 – 28 July 2023) was an Australian molecular biologist who was spurred to follow a career in biological research when he discovered his family has the genetic form of motor neuron disease (MND). He held the position of Professor in Neurodegenerative Disease at the University of Wollongong. He was diagnosed with MND himself in 2016 but continued to research until his death from the disease in 2023.

Reviews

[Sally Hetherington OAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly powerful memoir which was written ENTIRELY with eye movements, that left me emotionally moved and deeply inspired. Justin’s unwavering determination to find a cure for motor neurone disease (MND) after witnessing its devastating impact on his family is truly remarkable.

From the moment I read Jane Hawking’s heartfelt foreword, tears welled up, and I was immersed in Justin’s journey. His personal struggles with his own MND diagnosis, the toll it took on his loved ones, and his unwavering resilience in the face of adversity are heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.

I really appreciated Justin’s ability to convey complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner. His expertise as a molecular biology professor shines through, providing valuable insights into MND research.

I can wholeheartedly say that Fighting Fate is a must-read. It serves as a beacon of hope amidst the bleakest moments.

By supporting this book, you’re not only gaining invaluable insights but also contributing to the ongoing battle against this devastating disease. All proceeds from the book are donated to Fight MND.

A big thank you to Affirm Press for my gifted copy.

[Caroline Gotterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving, informative and insightful book into the impacts of MND, as well as the science and research behind the disease. beautifully written, highly recommend!

[Susan Belperio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing such a hugely moving memoir using only eye movements, is an astonishing achievement. For that, Justin deserves as many stars as are in the universe which he now inhabits, having only just recently passed away from the familial form of MND. His grit and determination was a testament to the unconditional love of his wife and family. He worked and researched till the end in a desperate race to try and unlock a treatment or cure for this beast of a disease, not only for himself, but potentially for the next generation of his family including his own children, who are at risk. One can only hope that his research provides a springboard for discovery of a useful treatment or a breakthrough discovery. His writing was eloquent and absorbing, and I devoured this book in just over a day. Essential reading for all of those involved in the treatment of those with neurodegenerative conditions, especially MND. Towards the end, he was also the victim of disability discrimination, so anyone who is into disability advocacy would also find this a valuable read. More broadly, he ultimately questions what it means to be human. As such, anyone who is human will find this an important read as well.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin Yerbury was a marketing student and junior NBL player in his early 20s when he realised that his family had a predisposition to motor neurone disease (MND). He switched his university studies from marketing to science and ultimately became one of the leading researchers in MND in Australia. His research became even more personally important when he was tested and discovered that he carried the MND gene mutation.

This was an exceptionally interesting book that I couldn't put down. Sad but inspiring. I highly recommend it.

[Annie Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling book about an amazing and courageous man (and his courageous family). Sadly Justin Yerbury lost his fight against MND in July 2023. I hope that all the advances he tried to bring about continue and this awful disease can finally be vanquished.

[Letitia Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justin’s determination is admirable. What an incredible person. I finished the book in a day, heartbreaking story, a lot of tears were shed.

[Robert Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very honest memoir that gives a good deal of detail about the emerging science of MND and exposes the horror of facing such a disease.

[Joyal James · Rating 4 out of 5]

really great book guy who gets mnd works on mnd he also got a 70 atar and still went onto be a scientist if i was to work on mnd i couldnt work as hard as this guy did on it

[Fiona Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book. I devoured it in 2 sessions. Both heartbreaking and inspiring. The determination of this man is so profound. It left me in tears during parts, and admiration through it all

[foamoftheocean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very emotional and thought provoking. He has gone through so much and fought hard for a cure as well as disability rights. So glad I got to read this book.

[Debbie Peters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worth a read, I found it interesting but also hard going at times.