Nova is our beloved cat — she is family. What started as what seemed like simple upper respiratory symptoms quickly turned into the scariest experience of our lives. Nova had been sneezing, and our other cats were showing mild symptoms too, which made us believe it was a URI. She was acting normal just hours before everything escalated. When Nova suddenly developed labored breathing, we rushed her to the emergency hospital. X-rays showed air where it shouldn’t have been, and we were told it was essentially a death sentence. We were warned that even pursuing advanced diagnostics like a CT scan would likely reveal something requiring open heart surgery — something they felt would be too much for her to survive. Throughout this, we repeatedly expressed that she had been showing upper respiratory symptoms as our other cats were sneezing as well. Those concerns were dismissed as coincidence, and the focus remained on the air seen in her lungs. At one point, we were even questioned about possible trauma — despite Nova having no broken bones, bruising, or signs of injury. As a veterinary technician, it was heartbreaking to feel unheard while watching our baby fight to breathe. But we refused to give up. We chose to move forward with CT imaging, oxygen therapy, and continued hospitalization. After over 30 hours without sleep and constant advocacy, the outlook began to shift. Doctors now believe Nova is dealing with a severe upper respiratory infection — the very concern we kept voicing — along with a collapsed lung, likely secondary to respiratory effort or coughing. She is not out of the woods. Nova still needs medications, follow-up imaging, and continued monitoring as we hope her lung heals. Our other cats are also undergoing treatment to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy.


This experience has been devastating and eye-opening. Being in the veterinary field and still feeling dismissed has given us a deeper understanding of how vulnerable families feel in moments like this. The financial burden has been overwhelming. The amount we are asking for is not the total owed — it will simply help us continue Nova’s care and give her the best possible chance at recovery. If you’re able to donate, share, or simply keep Nova in your prayers, we would be deeply grateful. Every bit of support helps us continue fighting for our sweet girl.