Hello to all, especially animal lovers.

My name is Amanda Noel, and I am proudly owned by my cats, four beautiful boys. Currently my eldest, Balfour, (14 years) has been experiencing a variety of symptoms, the most terrifying of which included "dizzy spells" that were so severe, I feared they were actually cluster seizures... and promptly rushed him to our local ER veterinarian, where he was examined and prescribed Gabapentin. The doctors there are amazing, and were honest- perhaps brutally so- when they told me that the Gabapentin was more of an umbrella treatment then a cure; a way to narrow down a potentially long list of underlying causes.

Balfour is responding extremely well to the Gabapentin. After only one dose, he went from erratically panting, drooling, and falling all over himself to strutting confidently around the house, making frequent visits to his food and water bowls and litter box, and once more seeking attention and affection from his hoomans and fur brothers. A good sign, but both his doctors and I believe that it is most likely a temporary fix; that there is certainly an underlying cause- most likely kidney related- that needs to be discovered and treated.

Unfortunately, the ER visit and meds took literally every dollar I had, and the x-rays and blood work that Bali needs to reveal what is causing his illness are very expensive. I'm looking at anywhere in between $500 to $1,000 for tests alone, and no vet will do them unless I can pay for the services as they're rendered. I've tried every other avenue-CareCredit, Affirm, ScratchPay, and have been rejected by all. I've even tried for predator loans... you know, basically borrow $1,000 and pay back $8,000 or more. I'd gladly do it if any of them would approve me, but alas... none if them have.

I am DESPERATE. My main goal is for him to get the blood work and x-rays he needs, find out what's wrong, and go from there. If it's something that can be easily treated... fantastic! I'll sell blood, heart and soul to get him whatever meds he needs. If, however, it's something terminal, well... I'm prepared to accept that too, painful as it is. But I can't help him either way if I don't know what I'm dealing with.

I'm begging any and all of you reading this to help us- help HIM- if you can... PLEASE. Obviously time is of the essence- the sooner I can get him in for those tests, the better chance I have of pinpointing the exact cause of his illness, and potentially getting treatment for him. Bali is an incredibly sweet, loving kitty, and he deserves a chance. Above all, I don't want him to suffer. I'm terrified that, once the Gabapentin scrip runs out (no refills) he'll just go back to being horribly ill, and falling all over himself again. I can't bear to see that. Anyone with a heart couldn't bear that sight.

Donate if you can, every little bit helps.