Aid Cat Colony & Elderly Disabled Caretaker

Nico Forest is organizing this fundraiser.

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After years of devoting herself to protecting the stray cats of her community, a local colony caretaker and rescuer is at risk. She needs surgery after a recent fall left her with one shoulder broken, the other torn, and multiple damaged vertebrae. She can’t stand up fully, and her mobility is severely hindered by constant pain and fatigue. As such, tasks that were once simple are suddenly impossible - opening cans and plastic bags, treating her property and cats for fleas, cleaning and repairing shelters, even driving and bathing and cooking. Her fixed monthly income isn’t enough to cover ongoing medical bills on top of repeated treatments for flea infestations and the cats’ daily keeping. As is, she is deferring most major medical care until their safety is guaranteed. Her fear is of being placed in a nursing home, her cats left to fend for themselves, or seized by animal control and sent to a shelter where many might be euthanized. Every cat lover and rescuer knows that you give a bit of your soul to each animal you help, a sentiment shared by this community member. Her cats are her greatest love in life; their pain is her pain, their joy is her joy.

We are seeking donations for flea treatment, veterinary care, food, shelter, and transportation for the cats, as well as some of the caretaker’s medical bills and living expenses if possible. We also need fosters, adopters, rescues, shelters, sanctuaries, and/or barns that can provide long-term or permanent residence and care to any number of the 20 cats in need. 4 cats are indoors; 16 are outdoors, 8 of which are in a gated enclosure. The caretaker considers 7 possible adoptees, and believes the rest would do better as barn cats, as they are skittish, and a few possibly feral. All are fixed and UTD, aside from 2 that recently appeared in the woods behind the property and only approach for food. At least two of the cats (Daddy and Milk) are a bonded pair; Milk struggles with urinary tract health.

Each of these cats has a different story - some were born feral, others were abandoned by owners, still others survived a fire at a hoarding house. What connects them all is the compassion and devotion of one kind woman who values their wellbeing over all else. With help from her support system and network of animal rescuers, she has helped save the lives of countless cats that had no one else to turn to. Now she is the one that needs the support of not only an individual, but her entire community. Please be that kindness for her.

Contact Francie’s Fold Volunteer Cat Rescue with questions, suggestions, and/or support. I am Nico of Francie’s Fold in Central FL. It isn’t a 501c3, nor do we profit. We use personal funds and a few donations to assist our community through networking, animal transportation, outreach, wellness checks, lost / found pets, and fostering / adoption. Our intake is currently closed due to my health worsening in recent months, but our goal remains doing whatever we can to help. The caretaker has given me permission to launch this fundraiser and share details of her situation, but asked that her name is kept private. I ask the same of our mutuals when sharing.

There aren’t words to express my gratitude for the help we’ve received so far from loved ones, community members, and local animal rescuers. Every single person has been instrumental to the survival and wellbeing of not only the cats, but their devoted guardian as well. I am proud to consider this person not only a neighbor and friend, but part of my chosen family. I truly cannot thank you enough, and greatly appreciate your continued support.

(Located in Central FL, US)