Miss Ilona’s journey

Hi, my name is Ash and I am a friend of Miss Ilona’s, and also one of her ex students from many years ago. Miss Ilona is one of those people who become a part of your family, and is just so easy to love! I’m sure we all have some special stories of how she has encouraged, loved and cared for us or our families in so many ways just because she has such a kind and genuine heart.

Devastatingly, as some of you may know, Miss Ilona has recently been given the news that she has breast cancer. From an abnormal mammogram, to biopsies, ultrasounds and other testing, Miss Ilona has been told she will need to have surgery and radiotherapy to fight this horrible disease. Today, she found out that she has lumps on both breasts, and following a biopsy on Thursday, and results given next Monday, the doctors will decide whether a lumpectomy or a mastectomy are needed. The surgery is planned for Thursday the 23rd of November, which is just over a week away. Miss Ilona will need to have time off work to recover post surgery, and also need to rest during her radiation treatment phase. The doctor she is seeing unfortunately does not bulk bill, and the bills from blood tests, heart tests and many more bits and pieces are all adding up quite quickly. This, combined with the large cost of cancer surgery and treatment, makes the coming months an overwhelming prospect for her and her beautiful family.

For anyone who has been taught by Miss Ilona, or been a part of her life in any way, you will know she has changed the lives of so many students across the country. She has given many people a love for dance, but also a love for who they are and who they can be. Aside from her brilliant ability to teach from her heart, she also gives her everything to anyone in need, recently facilitating fundraisers and events for another fellow cancer sufferer. She would give you the shirt off her back, and has always been someone I consider to be the most generous, loyal, selfless and joyful person I know.

Are you like me and wondering what you can do to support Miss Ilona? With some arm twisting because she never wants to inconvenience anyone, Miss Ilona has given me her blessing to set up this Go Fund Me as a place where we can donate money to help take some of the financial pressure off medical bills, and everyday expenses whilst she is on this journey. Every bit helps, and I know Miss Ilona will appreciate it so much. Thank you for being people that care for and love Miss Ilona, let’s band together to help this wonderful lady who has spent years giving to others in every way. Your support will go a very long way!