Seventeen-year-old Marko Ilanić has undergone two demanding spinal surgeries, and now he needs an adapted space to return home. The family and school are calling on the public for donations and help from tradespeople.
The Ilanić family from Privlaka is in an extremely difficult situation and needs help to provide their 17-year-old son Marko with dignified conditions for recovery. After two major spinal surgeries, Marko is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and his return home depends on renovating his room and bathroom to meet his needs.
The call for help was issued by the Special Education Departments of the "Antun Gustav Matoš" Elementary School in Vinkovci, which Marko and his brother attend. As they highlighted in a Facebook post, the family faces multiple challenges. Mother Monika and father Martin are parents to five sons, two of whom have developmental difficulties. Martin is the only employed family member and supports the entire household with his income.
Marko's health battle began on March 25, 2026, when he underwent spinal surgery that lasted 13 hours. The very next day, March 26, a second five-hour surgery followed. Unfortunately, his recovery did not go as expected.
"After the surgeries, things did not go as everyone had hoped. Marko could not move his fingers, stand up, or sit. On April 20, he was transferred from the hospital to rehabilitation in Krapinske Toplice, where he remains today with his father Martin, who has been on sick leave since Marko's surgery," the statement from the Special Education Departments of the "Antun Gustav Matoš" Elementary School in Vinkovci reads.
Marko's return home is uncertain without urgent intervention. Currently, all five brothers share one room, which is unsustainable and potentially dangerous given Marko's condition. He needs his own safe, adapted space for recovery without the risk of injury. The family is therefore asking for help in renovating the room and bathroom.
Financial donations, donations of building materials, and the involvement of tradespeople of all profiles-from bricklayers and tilers to plumbers and other specialists-are welcome.
"The goal is to renovate a room and an adapted bathroom for Marko so that, after everything he has been through, he can return home in the safest and most dignified conditions possible. And as things unfortunately stand, his younger brother may soon face a similar path and need for help. Any help, regardless of the amount or form, means a lot to this family," the school said in its post.
They are calling on all people of goodwill to help in any way-through donations, sharing the post, or physical labor-so that Marko can continue his recovery in a safe environment.
For those who wish to provide financial assistance, donations can be made to the giro account opened at Hrvatska poštanska banka. The account holder is Marko's mother, Monika Ilanić.
Payment details:
Account holder: Monika Ilanić (for Marko)
Address: Faličevci 207, 32 251 Privlaka
OIB: 34963059202
IBAN: HR3223900013103066252
SWIFT/BIC: HPBZHR2X
The school concluded: "To someone, it might be a small amount, a bag of materials, a few hours of work, or just sharing this post-but to this family, it can make a huge difference. Let's help Marko get a safe and adapted space for recovery and, with God's help, stand on his feet again."
