Save Belle the Cat #savebelle

I’m raising funds to help my dear friend Sarah and her beloved cat, Belle.

Belle is more than just a pet — she’s family. She’s been Sarah’s constant companion and emotional support through the ups and downs of life. Recently, Belle was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a serious condition that requires a specialized radioactive iodine treatment costing $3,000.

But during Belle’s vet visit, things took a heartbreaking turn. The vet discovered a suspicious lump between Belle’s nose and eye, and believes it may be cancerous. The news came as a complete shock. Because of the potential cancer, the vet advised against moving forward with the iodine treatment, unsure of how fast the lump might grow or how much time Belle might have left.

Sarah was referred to an oncologist, but the cost just to diagnose the lump — sedation, x-rays, and testing — is $6,000. If Belle is diagnosed with cancer, treatment is expected to cost an additional $10,000. These expenses are far beyond what Sarah can afford, and without a diagnosis, Belle can’t begin treatment.

In the meantime, Belle has been on medication to manage her hyperthyroidism.

UPDATE:

Sarah received a call from the vet this morning with Belle’s latest test results. The good news is that Belle’s kidney levels are stable (though she is still in the early stages of kidney disease). The more urgent concern is that her hyperthyroidism has gotten worse. As a result, the vet will be increasing the dosage of Belle’s medication — but this is still only a temporary solution.

Here’s the surprising part: the lump that was previously causing so much concern has now stopped growing, which has completely perplexed the vet. Because of this unexpected development, Sarah is now revisiting the option of the radioactive iodine treatment.

After careful thought, and with guidance from the vet, we’ve decided to move forward with raising funds for the iodine treatment to give Belle a real shot at a better, healthier life.

Sarah is doing everything she can to give Belle a fighting chance, but she can’t do it alone. That’s why I’m asking for your help.

No pet should have to go without medical care because of the cost — and no one should have to face these impossible choices alone. If you’re able, please consider donating to help cover Belle’s treatment and ongoing care. Every single dollar makes a difference and brings hope to Sarah and Belle in this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you so much for your love, compassion, and support.

#SaveBelle