In September, Oregano the gerbil developed a tumor on his back leg. For a while it was small enough that my vet and I agreed that it would be alright to wait and see if it grows at all. Since then, it has grown twice the size and he is in need of surgery. Unfortunately, the estimate of the cost for surgery is $730-1,000 USD, and I am but a lowly work study student and Oregano doesn't have a job at all. Because of this, I come to you now asking you to consider donating to help me cover the cost of his surgery. Asking you for money is not easy, as I know many of you are in similar work-study/student statuses as I am, and this is for such a small cause, but I thought I'd take a chance on the kindness of the COA community and the love I have seen many of you express for Oregano already. This little guy means so much to me, and I want to give him the happiest life I can, even if it means doing the uncomfortable thing of asking for money.
I would be forever grateful if you'd consider donating. If you'd like to give money another way, I am happy to take cash or venmo, just find me around campus or send me an email. You can also check out my art business, CrowTownArt, on Etsy, if you want to help by purchasing some of my art (come talk to me if you decide to do this and want to pick it up in person instead of shipping).
In addition to all of that, I am also offering a custom ceramic mug to the two people who donate the highest amount. This could be donated all at once, but I will also be monitoring whether someone donates more than once to keep their position as one of the highest donors. Please leave your name with the donation if you want to be considered for this.
If you need even more incentive, I would be happy to setup a little playdate with Oregano if you would like to meet him.
Oregano's surgery has been scheduled for February 4th, and I will be collecting donations until then.
Even a little bit would go a long way. Please help me create a big change, for a small guy.
Thank you so so much for reading.
-Elliott and Oregano