LOS ANGELES—A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help AVN Award-winning director Ivan with mounting medical expenses due to emergency surgery this past week.
He is recovering at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles with another surgery scheduled for Saturday.
Adult star Christy Mack, a close friend of the industry vet—who is the creative director of AltErotic and co-founder of the Puba.com network of adult sites—started the campaign Friday with the following letter:
"Early on the morning of October 8, I received a lengthy and heartfelt message from one of my best friends. Slava, or Ivan, as many know him told me that he was going into the operating room to try to save one of his legs. Since being diagnosed as diabetic a few years ago, he has made lifestyle changes and done his best to remain healthy and avoid complications like these. Unfortunately, he developed an infection in his foot that subsequently spread quickly to his leg.
"After multiple operations, a lengthy stay in the ICU, and rounds of dialysis, Slava's condition is stable, but not quite out of the woods yet. He will have at least one toe amputated, but seems to be more optimistic about his recovery and condition.
"Many of my friends, and all of my family are aware of how much Slava means to me; and how much of a positive impact he has made on everyone in his life. I have never met a more selfless person. No matter what situations arise in his own life, he will always make sure that you are taken care of before himself. From the toy drives that he hosts for his birthday, to the extra food he carries around in case he sees a person in need, we all know of the good that Ivan has brought to the community and the joy he brings to us personally.
"Now it is our turn to give back to Slava in his time of need. He would never ask anyone for any help, so we have taken it upon ourselves (but received his blessing) to do everything in our power to show him that we are here for him and will support him in any way possible. He will need help covering his medical costs, plus living expenses while he is unable to work during his recovery. If you can spare a few dollars, or positive messages for a dear friend to us all, we will never forget your generosity or positivity."
To donate to Ivan's GoFundMe campaign, click here.
