Hi! My name is Shay and I work at a veterinary oncology practice. This Thursday, my cat Olive came to work for some labs and unfortunately was unexpectedly diagnosed with mammary carcinoma. Mammary carcinoma is a painful disease that, if left untreated, can result in the final months of Olive's life being filled with pain, discomfort, and an inability to enjoy her life. Due to that, it would result in a near euthanasia. It's been recommended to pursue a bilateral mastectomy (surgically remove her booby cancer) to provide her final months with comfort.

As a doctor’s assistant of an oncology practice, I unfortunately cannot afford the surgery let alone additional costs for adjuvant chemotherapy. Every day I am emotionally supporting clients through their cancer treatments for their pets. Being part of delivering the best standard of care for cats with cancer like Olive, and being unable to afford it myself is an unfortunate reality of many veterinary employees.

Olive was adopted 7 years ago, early in my sobriety. She has been my pillow to cry on, licked my tears, and motivated me in my early years of sobriety to stay sober so I can care for her. She has changed and saved my life.