The Save Mr. Scruff Fund

Hello all!
The few of you out there who personally know me, know I am not normally one to ask for anything. I don't even feel comfortable receiving gifts on special occasions. Alas, desperate times call for desperate measures! I can't just let this pass me by without seeing what kind of generosity there is out there for someone in my situation.
So, here's the scoop!
Approximately 3 years ago, I became acquainted with the adorable neighborhood stray tabby tomcat. Over the months, he came around more frequently; and eventually he became known as Scruffy.
Mr. Scruff had folded-down ears (that we eventually discovered were a result of an ear mite infestation he experienced as a kitten); many missing teeth; and a penchant for getting into fights defending what he now knew as "his territory".
Rough around the edges as this boisterous tomcat may have been, I fell in love with him and his playful yet badass nature. He quickly became my main companion after I lost my other cat to cancer earlier this year. This kitty is truly one of a kind; he doesn't have an iota of the "aloof" personality people generally associate with cats. He is warm, friendly, and the biggest cuddle monster you'll ever meet, especially if he senses you are distraught.
Fast-forward to three days ago: Scruffy came home sporting by far the worst fight wound he has ever had: a gaping hole in the poor guy's neck; approximately 1" deep and 5" in diameter. As I expected, the examination findings upon taking him to the vet were dismal: the wound is so large and deep that the inevitable infection Scruffy acquired has damaged a major nerve as well as a major salivary gland in his jaw. He requires a skin graft in order to heal properly from this point forward. The surgery is upwards of $2000.
My heart sank when I heard the news. I am not in a position where I have any substantial income; working part-time to keep myself afloat while I finish my final semester of full-time nursing school. To elaborate, my final semester is comprised solely of clinical hours which are chosen for me. They can include evenings, weekends, holidays....leaving very little opportunity for me to work.
Since hearing the news, I have been unable to focus on anything besides the hopelessness and despair I have been feeling. I am supposed to write a comprehensive exam of my entire 4 semesters of nursing school at the beginning of next month-- a lot is at stake here!
I feel utterly powerless, living in this "limbo" stage of life that is impossible for me to accelerate. Had I been registered as a nurse already, Scruffy's treatment would have trumped any and all current needs of mine. But that is not within my means, not due to a poor work ethic or resolve; but just sheer timing.
I usually am a positive person; rolling with the punches and living by the good ol' cliche "everything happens for a reason"..however, the sheer timing of this has drained me of any and all optimism I have left.
I hope that anyone who had a dream with an inconvenient timeline comes across this and can relate to the utter frustration I feel.
If anyone decides to help my beautiful baby out (and I certainly don't expect anyone to feel obligated just because they know me)-- I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart; more than I can possibly express in words.
I want to thank anyone and everyone for reading this regardless of financial contributions; the solidarity of someone taking the time out of their day, if only to briefly empathize with me, means the world.
Cheers, and god bless!
Jessica