Stella Ferguson the cutest Gympie toddler of 2022

It has not been an easy path for the adorable little girl who has been crowned Gympie’s cutest toddler of 2022, but what she has been through has not slowed her down nor dampened her courageous nature.

Stella Ferguson at nine months old. Photo: contributed.

It has not been an easy path for the adorable little girl who has been crowned Gympie’s cutest toddler of 2022, but what she has been through has not slowed her down nor dampened her courageous nature.

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Stella Ferguson won the poll with 20 per cent votes, followed by Forrest Drew Wilson with 17 per cent of votes and Lakelyn with 12 per cent of votes.

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Fifteen-month-old Stella lives with her mother, Hayley Ferguson, in Gympie but has taken frequent trips to the Sunshine Coast since she was born in the Gympie Hospital.

Stella Ferguson's picture submitted for the poll. Photo: contributed.

A visit from a physiologist the day after she was born revealed Stella suffered from club foot, a common condition where the foot is twisted out of position.

Ms Ferguson felt like she was in unknown waters, having never heard of the condition before.

She tried stretching Stella’s legs for about two months before taking her to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for a cast.

Stella Ferguson in her cast at two months old. Photo: contributed.

Ms Ferguson said it was hard as a parent to persevere with the treatment when Stella clearly disliked the cast.

“It was a bit frustrating to see her uncomfortable to begin with,” she said.

Ms Ferguson had to keep telling herself it would do her good in the long run, she said.

Stella Ferguson at 11 months. Photo: contributed.

The pair drove to SCUH almost every week until Stella’s first birthday when her visits became monthly.

After six months in the cast, Stella now wears a “bar and boots” at night to keep her legs in position which she will have to wear until she is about four years old.

Stella and her boots and bar to keep her legs in place. Photo: contributed.

Stella receiving her boots and bar with her mum, Hayley Ferguson. Photo: contributed.

She learnt how to crawl in the cast and loves carrying around paper shopping bags filled with her toys, Ms Ferguson said.

Ms Ferguson said she believed Stella will grow up to be a “confident girl”.

“She’s not afraid to put herself out there,” Ms Ferguson said.

Stella loves being around people and accompanies Ms Ferguson to gym class where she expects hi-fives from everyone.

The cheeky little girl adores getting picked up and giving kisses and cuddles when waking up in the morning.

“She’s more than I could have ever asked for,” Ms Ferguson said.