Our beautiful daughter, Elena, was born a happy and healthy little girl. She arrived into the world with bright eyes, a strong cry, and nothing to suggest that anything was wrong.

When Elena was just six weeks old, everything changed overnight.

She suddenly lost the ability to open her eyes normally, and her eye movements became abnormal. From one day to the next, our lives were turned upside down. Since then, we have spent months searching for answers.

Elena has undergone extensive testing, including multiple MRI scans, genetic testing, spinal fluid testing, countless blood tests, and assessments by specialists from different fields. She has spent months in hospital, including treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Despite every effort, we still don’t have a diagnosis.

Every day we continue to live with uncertainty while watching our little girl face challenges no baby should have to endure.

Although we don’t yet know the exact cause of Elena’s condition, we are determined to do everything possible to find answers and ensure she receives the best care available. That means ongoing appointments, therapies, and regular trips from Tasmania to Melbourne to see specialists. If a specialist overseas is needed in the future, we want to be prepared to pursue that opportunity without hesitation.

We own and operate a small family business, which means every medical trip comes with additional challenges. When we travel for Elena’s appointments, we not only face the cost of flights, accommodation, transport, and medical expenses, but we also have to close or reduce the operation of our shop, affecting our family’s income.

We have never imagined asking others for financial help, but our focus has to be on giving Elena every possible chance to receive the best treatment and the best specialists, wherever they may be.

The funds raised will help with:

* Travel between Tasmania and Melbourne for specialist appointments.

* Accommodation and transport during medical visits.

* Medical expenses and therapies not covered by insurance or Medicare.

* Potential overseas consultations or treatment if recommended by Elena’s medical team.

* Lost business income while attending appointments and caring for Elena.

If you are unable to donate, sharing Elena’s story would mean just as much. Every share helps us reach more people, and perhaps even someone who has experienced something similar.

Most importantly, we hope that by sharing Elena’s journey, we may one day find the answers that have remained out of reach for so long.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, for keeping Elena in your thoughts, and for helping us give our little girl every opportunity to receive the best possible care.

With gratitude,

Laura, Ankit & Elena ❤️