1. PREFACE
2. THE SITUATION
3. THE BACKSTORY
4. THE AMAZING PURR (Ellie says "Thank You!"):
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1. PREFACE:  Let me start by saying that I know the pandemic is hurting *EVERYONE* right now, & I send much love to you for just reading my story.  Every little bit will absolutely help, & if you CAN afford to donate, even just a small amount, it would be so very, very much appreciated.

2. THE SITUATION:  Ellie was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism earlier this year. We've gone the medication route so far because it's the most affordable off the bat, BUT doing only meds usually stills allows significant organ damage & a much shorter lifespan. We started at a higher dose, but then needed to reduce it because it was tipping her over into hypothyroidism. I still worry, though, because, she is super thin, always seems hungry (even though I feed her 3x/day, more than my other, younger, more active cat Lentil), and has experienced vomiting and nausea despite the medication.  So I want to get her Radioiodine Therapy, which has a 95% curative rate; does not damage other organs; allows for a longer, healthier lifespan; and is cost-equivalent to meds in the long run -- the problem is it's a bulk sum all needed at once.

First, RadioCat (the clinic that does the therapy), requires from my vet:
- A blood panel
- Urinalysis
- A chest x-ray
- An up-to-date rabies shot
Which will cost approximately $550.

Then, the actual treatment itself costs $1575.

UPDATE: I just found out that the clinic requires tests from my local vet at 1 month & 3 months after treatment, which will cost $300+ for each visit, AND they/the state of California requires that I use clumpable, flushable litter for her (because apparently, putting potentially radioactive material in the water system is preferable over putting it in the garbage??) for a period of at least 2 weeks -- and that stuff ain't cheap!! So, unfortunately, I've needed to raise the fundraising total to accommodate this, adding $650 to cover those costs as well.

As a person on disability, even just the treatment itself is several hundred dollars more than I receive in a *whole month*,  and all my savings were used up earlier this year on everything expensive breaking -- my cat (expensive tests for Ellie 2 months in a row), my car, my computer, etc., so there is NO WAY I can afford it without your help!

Time is of the essence now, as she is likely already suffering damage to her organs, & that will lead to other, future health issues -- and I'm hoping to avoid that as much as possible.

So I am asking for a total of $3000 to cover all the tests, the treatment, & transportation up & back to the clinic (since it's in San Mateo), and any other costs that may come up during the process.

Again, I know that is a lot to be asking for in these crazy, stressful times we're living in these days, but I do not even have the words to express how grateful I would be to be able to keep my lovecat Ellie in good health & around for a long time to come.

UPDATE: Ellie has been suffering from a really serious gastrointestinal infection the past two days, so I raised the donation goal a little bit to manage the extra cost of the exam, her medication, and the wee pen I had to purchase to build her a safe little "palace" while she recovered. ((Also at the vet today, the doctor said that she was worried about some of Lentil's symptoms, & that she really should get a full work-up done, *SO* if people have it in their hearts & capacity, please feel free to donate further to help support Lentil's health (or, at least, her diagnostics) in case she has a serious health problem as well -- EEK!!))

3. THE BACKSTORY:  I adopted Ellie in 2013. The ASPCA warned me she would be a difficult kitty -- she'd been found on the street & was FULL TO THE BRIM of fear-based aggression, but I refused to be daunted.

The first two years were, indeed, incredibly difficult. That whole time my hands and forearms were *covered* in bites and scratches, and sometimes I felt like it was too difficult to persist -- but persist I did.

And happily, with a safe home, lots of love and patience, and a human to call her own, she has grown into the most RIDICULOUSLY SWEET cats I've ever known. She is super mellow & cuddles up easily, gives tons of kisses, purrs her full-throated, motor-like purr frequently (sometimes even just when I come into the room!!), and even DROOLS when she's super happy.

I'm so very lucky to have this munchkin in my life. Even though she has *significant* competition in this realm, she has become the most special-est cat in my life. And both my kitties are legally emotional support cats, which, if ever there was a time I needed them, this would be it!

Thank you so much for your consideration ... and of course for your donation if you make one!!! <3 <3 <3

4. THE AMAZING PURR (Ellie says "Thank You!"):