Hi everyone,

My sweet cat Bella is fighting for her life right now, and I am asking for help to give her the care she needs.

Bella has been my constant companion for almost 16 years. For the past 9 years, she has lived bravely with diabetes, and together we've managed her care with daily insulin, monitoring, and routine vet visits. Today, she went into a severe hypoglycemic crisis, and I had to rush her to the emergency vet. Her blood sugar dropped dangerously low, and she is now hospitalized overnight for intensive monitoring and treatment.

As of now, the emergency vet bill is $3,600, and it may continue to increase depending on how long she needs to stay and how she responds. Although my work in mental health is incredibly meaningful, it is not financially lucrative, and this unexpected emergency has placed a significant financial strain on me. What makes this especially hard is how much Bella has meant to me through every chapter of my life.

I struggled with an eating disorder for nearly two decades — one that almost took my life twice. I fought my way into recovery, and Bella was there through every low point and every small victory. She is a registered emotional support animal and has been my steady presence when everything else felt uncertain.

Because of recovery, I was able to go back to graduate school and earn my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, graduating with a 4.0 GPA this past August. I recently became a Primary Therapist at an inpatient eating disorder treatment center — the very same place where I sought treatment for my own eating disorder 16 years ago. It's full circle in the most meaningful way.

Two years ago, I moved from Georgia to Colorado, leaving behind friends and family to work for the organization that saved my life, with the hope of one day becoming a primary therapist so I could help save the lives of others. I did it. I am also currently working toward becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).

Through all of it — the illness, the recovery, the move, the long nights of studying, and the joy of building a life rooted in purpose — Bella has been there.

I don't have children of my own, and that path was never in the cards for me. Bella is my child. My parents lovingly call her their "grand kitty." She is my entire world. I know that one day I will have to say goodbye, but I'm not ready yet. She still has so many pets to get and so many treats to eat.

I am doing everything I can to give her the best chance possible, but the cost of emergency care is overwhelming. If you are able to donate or share this fundraiser, it would mean more than I can express.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping me fight for Bella.

With endless gratitude,

Katie ❤️