A few days ago, a tiny kitten crawled out in front of our car. We stopped — because you do — and in that moment our lives changed. We named him Batono.

Batono was weak but gentle, calm in our arms, and trusting in a way that only very young animals can be. We took him in immediately, thinking he just needed food, warmth, and safety. What we didn’t know yet was that he was already fighting something much bigger.

Batono was diagnosed with a rare congenital condition called megaesophagus, which means he cannot swallow normally. Food and liquid don’t move safely to his stomach and can enter his lungs instead. Even with careful handling, this condition puts animals at constant risk of aspiration and pneumonia.

Despite doing everything we could at home and getting him to the vet as soon as possible, Batono developed aspiration pneumonia and began struggling to breathe. He was admitted to emergency care, placed on oxygen, and started on intensive treatment to stabilize him.

His care is ongoing and complex. We were asked to place an $8,000 emergency deposit just to begin treatment and basic testing — which we did without hesitation — but the reality is that we are now reaching the limits of what we can manage alone.

Batono is not aggressive or difficult. He is calm, easy to hold, and tolerates care quietly. He rests peacefully when supported and shows a will to keep going. Whatever his long-term future may be, he deserves the chance to stabilize, to be comfortable, and to be treated with dignity.

We never expected to ask for help like this. We have always handled things ourselves. But this situation came without warning, and the cost of emergency veterinary care adds up faster than one person can absorb.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward Batono’s veterinary treatment — oxygen support, medications, hospitalization, and the care needed to determine what comes next. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser means just as much.

If Batono hadn’t crawled out in front of our car, we never would have known him — or loved him. We can’t change what he was born with, but we can change whether he faces it alone.

Thank you for helping us give Batono a chance.