Help Ilja Get Surgery!

Hi, my name is Ilja, and I have a mallet toe which means the last joint on my third toe is fused in a bent position making walking difficult and painful. Alongside that the toe also curls underneath the toe next to it which causes me to step on it whenever I walk.

For the past six years we’ve been working with a podiatrist to try and fix it. We’ve tried a boatload of things including massaging it every night (thanks mum and dad for doing that) but nothing has worked. I had to quit playing netball because of the pain, and I struggle to go out with friends because of walking.

The only way to fix it now is surgery.

Fortunately, we managed to get an appointment on the 25th of January next year, so I won’t have to go into year twelve struggling to walk. Unfortunately, it’s going to cost around $8,610.

The surgeon will have to remove the fused joint and connect the two bones together with a wire which will stay in for six weeks (a Left 3rd DIPJ Fusion), and I’ll be under general anesthetic for the procedure. I’ll be in a medical boot to support the foot and protect the wire from being knocked out of place.

Whether or not you’re a friend or family member (who has most likely heard me complaining about my toe or seen the toe itself) or a stranger, any little bit counts and is hugely appreciated.

Since we will most likely not hit the goal before the surgery, we’ll keep the page open to help pay it off afterwards and give you updates on my recovery.

Funds will be released to my mum Becky.