Help Orla Beat Breast Cancer

Hi, everyone!

My name is Paeton Chavis. My beautiful nine-year-old kitty, Orla, has been in my life for about 2 1/2 years, and during that time, she has stolen my heart and enriched my life in ways I never knew a kitty could. Her name means "golden princess," and that she is. Her love of luxurious lounging, meticulous grooming, and all things edible makes her truly her.

Orla had a rough start to life. She was abandoned at age two and lived in and out of an apartment basement for the subsequent five years, being fed by a kindly superintendent and having a litter of kittens before being fostered and posted to Craigslist. When I went to visit her, it was love at first sight. Not only was she undeniably gorgeous, but my heart and my gut told me that she was mine. My feelings were confirmed when she approached me for pets and followed me to and from the bathroom. I brought her home the next day, 12/23/2022.

In April 2025, a routine exam resulted in the discovery of two masses in my baby's mammary glands. I would soon learn that mammary masses in cats are aggressively malignant about 85% of the time, and cats are far more likely (7x) to develop them if they are not spayed before their first heat cycle.

A chest x-ray revealed that the masses have not spread beyond her mammaries (thank GOD!) but because of the aggressive nature of breast cancer in kitties, it's so so important that not only the masses are removed but the entire affected mammary chain.

Orla has one mass on each chain of mammaries and will ultimately require two surgeries with ample recovery time in between. My kitty had a rough start, but it is my dream to give her a healthy, love-filled life for as long as I possibly can. That's where this GoFundMe comes in.

After shopping around to different vets, my roommate and I have determined that Orla's regular vet, All Ears Veterinary, will be the ones to conduct her procedure. Throughout our 2 1/2 years with them, they have shown Orla and me the utmost in care, concern, and consideration. I feel so safe with her in their care.

All Ears has quoted us a hefty price for her procedure, reflected in the fundraising goal above. Orla is, without a doubt, worth the price and so much more, but we need your help. Orla is covered by pet insurance, but, for those unaware, pet parents are required to pay upon receipt of service June 20, 2025 and receive reimbursement a few business days later. Our reimbursement rate is 80%, which will be put into a savings account to cover her second (less expensive) surgery. The reimbursement from the second surgery will cover all aftercare, as we will have nearly hit our yearly coverage maximum benefit by that time.

I love Orla more than I can say, and I thank you so much for reading this and for considering a donation. Any amount, big or small, is beyond appreciated. I'll be posting updates on Orla's journey to my social media as well as on this page, so you all can see and feel how much your contributions are helping.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Paeton