Give Olive More Time: Urgent Splenectomy Surgery

Olive is a living sunbeam, always seeking out the warmest spot in the house to curl up in. Even on the hottest days, she basks outside in the sun until she pants – typical warmth monster behavior! Olive was found on the side of a freeway in a cardboard box with her littermates. When I adopted her at 7 months, I had no idea to what extent she would enrich my life. Olive helps me smile and laugh every day through her endearing snorts and love for food. And though she transforms into a playful, jubilant whirlwind with her doggy friends, around humans, Olive is gentle, sensitive, yet deeply trusting, much like myself. At 5 years and 9 months old, Olive's unwavering love and loyalty helps me relish in the present, to practice gratitude in simple pleasures like peaceful walks and a warm embrace that might otherwise go unnoticed in the hustle of daily life in the Bay Area.

Recently, our world shifted when Olive was diagnosed with a massive tumor, measuring 7 x 6.5 inches. Our oncologist described it as though she's constantly carrying an 8-9 month pregnancy; this weight has displaced her liver, bladder, and stomach. She's currently on medication to prevent internal catastrophic rupture, but this is merely buying precious time. We face the reality that there's a 50/50 chance this tumor is malignant. If it is, she may have only 3-4 months left with us. Without surgery, the pressure will continue building until her internal organs can no longer withstand it, inevitably leading to loss. Olive's time would be cut short without intervention so a surgical procedure of splenectomy is not just recommended but essential for any chance at extending her journey alongside mine.

I've already invested $2,400 in diagnostic tests, scraping together every dollar to come to this conclusion. I’ve managed to set aside another $2,000 from savings, but it falls short of covering the full cost of the surgery, overnight care, and potential chemotherapy. Having dedicated six years to teaching in public high schools before my current position at a Bay Area university, my financial capacity reflects the reality of a career built on service rather than profit. Certainly not one I regret, but one that has now reached its limit. Your contribution would not only help cover medical costs but would extend the life of a soul most important to me during this time in my life. Your donation, whatever the amount, will allow Olive more opportunities to find those perfect sunny spots, to snort contentedly during afternoon naps, and to remind me daily that love often comes in forms we least expect. Thank you so much for your donation.