A Little Bird With a Big Fight

Help Arwen Get Life-Saving Surgery and Secure Her Future

Hi everyone — my name is Ryder, and I’m reaching out for help for someone incredibly special: my cockatoo, Arwen. She’s been my best friend, sidekick, and source of joy for nearly 13 years.

If you’ve met Arwen (or even just seen a video), you know she’s a little diva with a giant personality — endlessly curious, hilariously sassy, and way too smart for her own good.

Arwen’s Medical Journey

This past year has been a whirlwind of serious complications. Last summer, Arwen was scheduled for surgery to remove a deformed, unpassable egg (impacted ovum). But the morning of her surgery, she suddenly developed severe gastric swelling. Emergency care was required, and surgery had to be called off.

Since then, Arwen has endured:

• Emergency hospitalizations

• Multiple hormone injections and two hormone implants (after she pulled the first one out herself — classic Arwen)

• Treatment for infections

• Management of metal foreign bodies in her GI tract

• Imaging, bloodwork, and chronic care

She also tested for Avian Bornavirus, but only showed an altered DNA trace — there is no active infection, and she has stayed remarkably stable.

Most importantly: her gastric swelling has improved. Recent imaging confirms that she’s strong enough to proceed with surgery now.

⏳ Why the Surgery Can’t Wait

That same impacted egg is still inside her, and must be removed. It’s now causing her visible discomfort and distention. If left untreated, it could rupture or cause permanent damage. The surgery will also allow for spaying, which would stop her painful hormonal cycles and give her the best shot at a longer, happier life.

If the mass turns out to be cancerous, we’ll make care decisions based on that. But if it’s not, this surgery gives Arwen a real chance at a healthy future.

About Arwen

Arwen isn’t just a mimic — she’s a personality. She taps on my phone to turn on the camera and take selfies. She reads the newspaper, sings and dances, and mimics how I check water temperature. She even tells me when its time to go to bed.

She’s incredibly verbal, but even more so, she’s emotionally expressive. She says “sorry” after being grumpy, and charms everyone except my dad (who she yells at for reasons she’s never disclosed ).

Arwen's not your average bird, in fact she is not aware she is a bird. She is however, a therapy in feathers, and a daily source of laughter and connection to everyone who knows her.

What We’re Raising Funds For

We’ve already spent close to $8,000 this year managing Arwen’s emergencies and tests. Her upcoming surgery, hospitalization, and recovery will cost an additional $3,500–$4,000. Our goal of $10,000 will help cover:

✔️ Her life-saving surgery

✔️ Hospital care and post-op meds

✔️ Hormone therapy, follow-up imaging, and chronic care

✔️ Future flare-up management if the virus ever activates

‍♀️ Why I’m Asking For Help

This has been deeply hard for me to write. I struggle to ask for help — especially publicly. But I’m also facing my own medical reality: a complex neurological condition that’s progressively making navigating life more challenging.

This fundraiser is also about planning for Arwen’s future — to ensure she’s never left without what she needs, even if I can’t be the one to care for her someday.

How You Can Help

Every donation — no matter the amount — makes a real difference. Sharing this page helps too. If you’ve ever smiled at a video of Arwen or felt moved by her story, please consider helping her get the care she needs.

Thank you for reading, and for loving her with us.

With heartfelt thanks,

Ryder & Arwen

✅ Medical Clarifications:

Arwen’s original surgery last summer had to be postponed the very day it was scheduled. A sudden, severe distention of her gastrointestinal tract caused visible swelling and concern for possible gastric tumor involvement or organ shutdown. The risk was too high at the time to proceed.

Thankfully, after months of supportive care, updated imaging showed that the swelling has resolved. While she tested positive for the DNA trace of Avian Bornavirus, her panel showed no active infection, and her doctors now feel she's stable enough for surgery to proceed — with cautious optimism.