Help Little Ilse-Maree Heal

On Sunday, 31st August 2025, my beautiful 2-year-old daughter, Ilse-Maree, had a fall that changed our world in an instant. After two hospital admissions where we were sent home without scans, I trusted my mum instinct and kept pushing for answers.

On Thursday night, 4th September, at 11pm, Ilse finally had a CT scan at Warrnambool Base Hospital. Soon after, the results confirmed my worst fear—she had sustained a fractured skull and an overlying hematoma (a collection of blood on her brain). The hospital immediately liaised with the Royal Children’s Hospital, and by 2am Friday morning, we were flown to Melbourne so she could receive urgent specialist care.

Right now, Ilse is at home recovering, but she requires round-the-clock monitoring to make sure she doesn’t over-exert herself or knock her head. The risks are frightening—seizures, permanent brain damage, or worse. As her mum and sole carer, I’ve taken time off work to stay by her side 24/7.

This situation has not only affected Ilse and myself, but also her big sister Mia, who has had to be cared for by others whenever we’ve been in hospital or travelling for appointments. While Mia has been so brave and understanding, it’s been a huge adjustment for her too, and it breaks my heart to see the impact this is having on both my girls.

We’ve had to remove Ilse from daycare, and while I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but beside her, the financial impact has been heavy. On top of daily expenses, we need to travel back and forth to Melbourne for ongoing hospital appointments. Because many of these appointments are early in the morning, it means overnight stays in Melbourne—something that is necessary for her healing but not easy to manage alone.

This fundraiser has been set up to help ease the financial strain during this challenging time—covering travel costs, accommodation, lost income, and the additional care needed for Mia while I focus on what matters most: helping Ilse rest, heal, and return to being the happy, bubbly little girl we all love.

Every donation, big or small, will make a difference. Even if you can’t donate, sharing our story means the world to us. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness, support, and love during this scary chapter of our lives.

With gratitude,

Sophie, Mia and Ilse

*Donations made from me a Donations given to me in person or to my account which I am making on behalf of the kind support. Thank you again*

The funds raised will be used to cover what is mentioned above.

- Accommodation.

- Transport.

- Medication.

- Cover lose of income for general living.

Etc