This couple have only just become parents, but already they know that parenthood is expensive.
Back in October 2014, Yaryna Kvitka and Volodymyr Muliar embarked on an around-the-world cycling trip.
Setting off from Kiev in their native Ukraine, the couple – “travelling musicians” - completed a whopping 25,000km by bike, a journey which took them through some 13 countries.
Their final destination was going to be Argentina, but their baby’s arrival meant they had to hang up their helmets in Sydney, Australia.
That’s because tiny little Marko arrived three months early and can’t leave the country.
Naturally, the proud parents aren’t too pushed about finishing their trip. They’re just happy that their son is progressing well in hospital.
But there is one issue, and it’s a big one: they owe the medics a whopping $230,000 (£115,000).
“Unfortunately, it happened so that our insurance does not cover labour and all related costs in Australia,” Volodymyr wrote on the GoFundMe page which they set up in an attempt to raise funds for the medical care of their boy.
“Due to the course of events, we are not able to cover the costs on our own. Every day at intensive care for Marko costs $5158…the hospital fee will be around $230,000 which is absolutely unreachable for us.”
Making things worse is the fact that their visa prevents them from working in Australia as they wait for their son to grow stronger.
“Having a great passion for music and travelling, cycling and camping was a great compromise for us to do what we love the most,” he wrote.
“We wish we could just swipe a card and pay for all the medical services our tiny son requires so badly but there is no chance in the world we could possibly do it on our own.”
“We desperately call for your help. Any support will be tremendously appreciated; any amount you could donate will be accepted with deep gratitude.”
So far, they've managed to raise $34,500 (£17,000). If you’d like to help the family out, you can visit their GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/b3zct8hw
