A Star for Orion: The Fight Against Kidney Disease

My heart is broken, and my world has been turned upside down when I began my fight to save my cat, Toronto. In December 2024, Toronto, one of my three cats, was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a devastating condition where his kidneys could no longer filter toxins. Watching him suffer from nausea, loss of appetite, and behavioral changes tore me apart. I did everything I could—IV fluids, subcutaneous treatments—but his condition only worsened.

After much agonizing, I had to make the hardest decision of my life: to let him go peacefully on January 7, 2025, ending his suffering. Just two days after Toronto's passing, I was hit with another gut-wrenching blow. Orion, my other cat, started showing the same frightening symptoms: vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty walking. A vet visit confirmed my worst fear: Orion has kidney disease, too.

Faced with the possibility of losing another one of my boys, I decided to pursue treatment for Orion, opting for expensive IV fluids treatments to give him a chance and hoping against hope that he could recover. The financial strain has been overwhelming, as I was already left with Toronto’s medical bills and now Orion’s medical bills.

Orion’s ER bill was substantial during his 36-hour care and hospitalization, and ongoing treatments (to prevent his condition from getting worse) will only add to the costs. The weight of these expenses, coupled with the emotional toll of losing Toronto and worrying for Orion, has been almost too much to bear. I find myself lost in worry, anxiety, and grief, yet I am determined to give Orion the best chance I can. That is why I’m reaching out for help.

I’m asking for donations to help cover Orion’s medical costs, hoping for a community of kind souls to come together and offer support. Even $5 can make a difference, bringing a glimmer of hope for me in these dark times. As I reflect on the pain of losing Toronto and the desperate hope I have for Orion, I cling to the belief that with the help of others, I can keep fighting for him.

Every small act of kindness means the world to me. Thank you for reading my story and for offering your support during this incredibly difficult journey. If you can’t offer financial support, sharing my story with others will still be a huge help and would be greatly appreciated.