2 days ago
Harrowing new details emerge about the horror scooter crash in Bali that left a Melbourne mum fighting for life
The fiancé of a Melbourne mum who suffered life-threatening injuries while holidaying in Bali has recalled the harrowing moment he feared that she was dead.
Julia Kirishun, 38, originally from Moscow, remains in hospital after a scooter crash in Seminyak, a popular beach resort on the Indonesian island on July 26.
She suffered a subdural haematoma, a potentially fatal bleeding on the brain caused by head trauma, and underwent emergency surgery.
She and fiancé Balazs Czako were just two days into a nine-day holiday to celebrate his 40th birthday.
Disaster struck on the way back from dinner, after the couple decided to call it a night due to an early start to the birthday celebrations the next day.
It was only a short drive, but the roads were wet and dark. The couple were only a few minutes from their hotel when things took a horrific turn.
'The route the GPS took us on was a completely unlit alley. There were no cars in front as I went around the bend but out of nowhere this black Toyota came out of a side alley from our left,' Mr Czako told
When Mr Czako hit the brake, the rear wheel of the scooter jutted to the left, which caused the couple to fall from the vehicle.
While Mr Czako's badly damaged foot looked as though it had 'been put through a blender,' he was more concerned about his fiancée.
'I managed to get up and quickly rushed over to Julia and quickly noticed she was unresponsive. I thought I had lost her, I thought she was dead,' he recalled.
'I started getting frantic and screaming 'wake up, baby' and tapping her on the cheek. I can't begin to describe what I was feeling.'
Onlookers rushed to the couple's aid and called emergency services.
Ms Kirishun was rushed to BIMC Hospital in Kuta, where a CAT scan confirmed she suffered bleeding and bruising on the brain.
Mr Czako spent his birthday by her hospital bedside in intensive care after she underwent emergency brain surgery.
While her condition has since stabilised, she remains too unwell to fly home.
Mr Czako has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help assist with soaring medical bills, ongoing support and rehabilitation, and the unforeseen financial burden that has placed the family into a tough position.
The surgery alone cost more than $30,000, with overall hospital expenses exceeding $55,000 which their travel insurer allegedly refused to cover due to 'technicalities'.
Mr Czako is waiting to hear back from the insurer after their claim was initially denied.
Faced with growing debts, including a hefty daily fee to keep his fiancée in the hospital, Mr Czako has been forced to borrow from family and access his life savings.
The couple, whose nine-year-old Alexander, has special needs, thanked those who have so far contributed to the fundraiser.
'We cannot express how incredibly grateful we are for all your generous contributions to Julia's GoFundMe campaign,' Mr Czako wrote on Wednesday.
'Your kindness and support during this challenging time mean the world to us.
'Because of your donations, we are closer to making sure we are able to cover the funds for her life-saving treatments.'
More than $33,000 has already been raised.
The fundraiser described Ms Kirishun as a rare soul who lights up every room she walks into and shows up for everyone else.
'I am overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone's contribution no matter the amount. Every dollar counts, and your willingness to help will not be forgotten,' Mr Czako added.
'Thank you for standing by Julia's side and for being part of her journey to healing.'
