Cato’s 12th birthday is coming up soon, but instead of a carefree celebration, we’re facing another challenge together. Three years ago, Cato survived cancer, and I was so grateful for the extra time we got. Now, the cancer has returned with a significantly-sized tumor—much larger and in a more complex part of his body than before. This time, he’ll need specialized treatment from an oncologist to shrink the tumor so it can be safely operated on. While the vet says he is healthy enough to make a full recovery if treated, the surgery itself will be complicated, and after that, Cato will need ongoing follow-up care while he heals. Because of his age and the size of the tumor, the vet expects recovery to be a long process, requiring frequent cleaning, ointments, bandages, and check-ups to keep him comfortable and give him the best chance at healing.

As many of you know, I left my career to start a small business last year. The first year of bootstrapping a business is always tough, and I’m more financially strapped than I’ve been in a long time. Right now, I’m unable to afford this treatment for Cato on my own. The vet says that despite his age, his heart and lungs are strong, and she believes we caught the cancer early enough that—with intervention—he can make a full recovery and still enjoy years of life.

Anything you can do to help make this a reality would mean the world to both of us. The funds will go towards oncologist treatments to shrink the tumor, the surgery itself, and the follow-up care—like cleaning, ointments, bandages, and check-ups. Thank you for reading our story and for any support you can offer.