I want to start by saying this is not easy for me to share. It’s taken a lot to put my pride aside, but I know I need to. As hard as it is, I want to be open and vulnerable.

Back in February 2010, I was in a very dark place mentally and emotionally. I felt completely alone and hopeless, and I took an action just two months prior that could have ended my life. In that same month, though, I started searching for a companion. I knew a dog wouldn’t be fair with my work schedule, so I thought—why not a cat?

That’s when I found Nala as a tiny kitten on PetFinder. I lived in Allentown at the time, and after a huge snowstorm I drove all the way to Philadelphia and back to bring her home. From that day on, we’ve been inseparable. Nala is the sweetest girl. She somehow knows when I’m upset and will curl up beside me, resting her paw on me as if to say, “I’m here.” She has truly saved me more times than I can count.

This past October, Nala began showing signs of what we thought was an upper respiratory infection. We’ve tried antibiotics and steroids, which help briefly, but her congestion always comes back. My vet now believes it’s nasal polyps, which require advanced care they can’t provide. While Nala is still active and loving, she is clearly uncomfortable. Sneezing, leaking nose, severe congestion, and mild difficulty eating.

Nala had a visit with a specialist on 9/9. She requires $4K in veterinary care for a rhinoscopy and related costs. I will post the invoice and diagram from this visit. I am already maxed on CareCredit and ScratchPay from a previous issue with her sister Kiki. Prolonged illness in 2020 and a 6 week illness just this year decimated my savings as I'm trying to rebuild myself financially.

This is where I’m asking for help. I’ll be completely transparent and provide receipts and itemized bills for everything. Most of you know I am a woman of my word. Every cent will go towards Nala's care. If, by chance, donations go beyond what Nala needs, I will donate the remainder to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), where I first adopted her.

Nala may be 15, but she still has so much life left to live. Even our vet says she doesn’t look or act like a senior cat. She is otherwise healthy and full of love. Nala isn’t a cat. She’s my purpose, my comfort, my family. We’re truly a bonded pair.

Most of you know I am unmarried and have no children. Nala is my 1st baby. Depression and anxiety are a constant part of my life. I don't know what I would do without her. I do not know who I am without her. Please, if you’re able, help me help my baby.

With gratitude,

Nancy