Hi, my name is Bayron. I'm starting this fundraiser because my cat, Zuko, needs urgent medical care that I can't afford on my own.

To put it simply, Zuko is my family, my son. A few years ago, I went through a really difficult time with depression. On my worst days, his presence was the one thing that could comfort me, calm me, remind me everything would be okay. He would stay with me, purr on my chest, and remind me that I wasn't alone. He gave me a reason to get up in the morning, a reason to work, a reason to experience, a reason to live almost. Honestly… he saved my life, I don’t think I would be here if it wasn’t for him. It’s been me and him against the world; I promised him I would always do everything I could to protect him.

Now, he needs me to keep that promise.

Zuko suddenly became very sick, and we found out he has a serious heart condition. The specialist's diagnosis is suspected constrictive pericarditis. This means the sac around his heart has become thick and stiff, which is preventing his heart from working properly and causing fluid to build up around his lungs and in his belly. 

The cardiologist explained that to give him a real chance, we need to do a series of advanced tests to get a definite diagnosis. This involves hospitalization, fluid testing, and a CT scan of his chest and abdomen. These tests will determine if he's a candidate for the only treatment that can fix this: a major surgery to remove the hardened sac from his heart. 

The estimate for the initial hospitalization and diagnostics is between $7,000 and $10,000, and that doesn't include the cost of the surgery itself. I don't have the funds to cover this, and it's devastating to know that the cost is what's standing in the way of helping him. 

I am asking for your help to give Zuko a fighting chance. Any amount you can donate will go directly to his medical bills for these critical tests and his potential surgery. If you aren't able to donate, sharing this page with others would also mean so much to us.

Zuko is only 5 years old and is the sweetest, gentlest cat. He was there for me when I needed him most. Now, I need to be there for him. Thank you for taking the time to read our story. 

Sincerely,

Bayron & Zuko