A seven-year-old amputee back on her feet again and dreaming of becoming a gymnast - after undergoing successful surgery to save her leg for a second time. Victoria Komada was born with a condition meaning her legs were formed backwards and she had missing bones.
Her mum Marzena Drusewicz, 35, was initially told she'd need both amputated, but in 2018 doctors in the US saved Victoria's left leg after her family raised £180,000. The schoolgirl had been enjoying a normal childhood until her left foot became twisted earlier this month, leaving her in need of additional surgery in Austria. The £10,000 operation was successful, but, as a result, Marzena is fundraising once more to cover hospital bills.
Marzena, from Norwich, Norfolk, said: "The operation was five hours, but I am very happy and grateful to people who give us chance to save Victoria's leg. Whether she'll need another operation depends on how she will grow over the next few years - but she has her heart set on being a gymnast."
Victoria suffered from a congenital deformity at birth - bilateral tibial hemimelia - meaning her legs were formed backwards and she had missing bones. At just three years old she had to have her right leg removed and doctors were pessimistic about the reality of saving her left.
But in 2018, with the help of friends and family, Marzena managed to raise £180,000 for major surgery in the US. The specialist procedure meant the youngster's leg was saved and, with it, her dreams of becoming a professional gymnast.
But, Victoria had to undergo surgery in Austria again earlier this month after her left foot became twisted. The surgery seems to have been a success, but the schoolgirl's leg is currently still wrapped up in plaster to protect her wounds.
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When she recovers, Victoria says she wants to "ride my bike and play with my friends" - adding she is currently feeling good. That being said, Marzena has been left with a £10,000 hospital bill to pay.
To help raise cash, Victoria's classmates at St Clements Hill Primary Academy put on a danceathon fundraiser last week. Victoria and her mum were special guests at the event, which was partly organised by family friend Sarah Herbert - who helped rally round for the initial money-raising effort.
Sarah said: "We felt this gave us an opportunity to raise some money for her operation and recovery and also gives the children a great opportunity to show an act of kindness and show that they really can make a difference in someone else's life."
The event helped raise £6,000 towards the £10,000 cost of the second operation. To donate to Victoria's fundraiser visit her Just Giving page.
