Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL Sub-Branch welfare officer Vladimir Nagorny shows Elina Zulkarnyaeva the gifts donated by the RSL.
By Nicole Williams
A SMILE is back on the face of accident victim Elina Zulkarnyaeva after a gift from the RSL.
The 10-year-old Dingley resident was cheered up by her cats in a special hospital visit last month and Dandenong Cranbourne RSL Sub-Branch welfare officer Vladimir Nagorny paid a visit to her hospital bed at Monash Medical Centre last week to donate some puzzles and books to keep her busy until she heads home.
As reported in the Star last month, Elina had dreams of dancing professionally when she was hit by a semi-trailer in September while crossing Centre-Dandenong Road, only 100 metres from her home.
Elina’s right foot was trapped under the truck for four minutes and, despite the shock, managed to call her parents three times to tell them of her pain.
Her injuries were so severe, it took 15 operations to save the budding dancer’s foot, although doctors were forced to amputate her big toe and heel.
Russian-born Elina relished the chance to speak in her native tongue when Mr Nagorny, also from Russia, visited last week to deliver the gift.
“She still wants to dance and hopefully she will,” Mr Nagorny said.
“She will be alright.”
Elina said the books, puzzles and textas would keep her busy, and she was very thankful to the RSL.
The homeward journey may be as early as this week, but full mobility and dancing, is still a little way off.
Elina said she was looking forward to going home, and hoped to be back at school before the end of the term.
Mr Nagorny said the RSL was pleased to be able to help Elina and the wider community.
“If anyone in the community has any concern, they can give us a call and we will help – if we can’t help we can find someone who can.”
