Our sweet 5-year-old fur baby, Jozinha, was diagnosed in February with grade 3 injection site sarcoma. This is a rare type of cancer that cats can get from a vaccine. As first-time pet parents in the US, we naively did not have pet insurance. So far, we have paid $1,500 for surgery to remove the tumor and another $1,500 for a CT scan to see how much cancer is remaining. Luckily, the cancer had not spread too much. She only has microscopic disease now. However, without further treatment to remove the microscopic disease, injection site sarcoma is more likely to reoccur.

After talking with the oncologist at Bay State Veterinary Emergency, the best option to give her a long life and prevent the cancer from coming back is to do radiation. In her case, the doctor recommends doing 16-18 days of curative radiation. This is not cheap. The estimate we received is between $10,000 and $13,000. Between Cayte’s work bonus, our tax refund, and selling some things, we have managed to round up around $6,000. We have tried to apply for grants to help us cover the remaining costs but have been unsuccessful. So, we’re looking to raise as much of the remaining costs for the radiation as possible. If we raise more than we need, we will donate the extra money to Ten Lives Cat Rescue, a RI-based organization that Cayte volunteers for. By raising this money, it would allow us to continue saving for our future with kids and a house, hopefully someday.

We know that times are tough for many people right now, and we do not want to take anyone’s money who cannot afford to do so. We are only asking those that are able and willing. Even if it’s only $5, any amount helps. And if you’re not able to donate monetarily, if you could share the fundraiser with others, that would help greatly. Thank you for your time and consideration. :)

Also, if you'd like to donate directly to the vet, you can do so by calling Bay State - their phone number is on their website. (GoFundMe does not let me post the number here.) Just say you're calling to donate to Jozinha ("joe-zeen-yuh") Licazali. Thank you!