Please help save Burns' life! Urgent Help Needed!

Please meet Burns, my 10-year-old rescue, who has been my constant companion for the last decade. I rescued Burns in Orlando, Florida, from being put down when he was just a kitten. He’s moved cross-country with me multiple times, always by my side, along with his brother Bender, who has been his partner in crime since they were babies. Burns is not just a cat; he’s my family, my emotional support, and my everything. I can’t imagine my life without him.

On January 2nd, everything changed. I woke up to find Burns sneezing and coughing up blood, and I rushed him to the emergency room immediately. After a series of tests, we learned the devastating news: Burns has an enlarged heart, he is severely anemic, and his red blood cell count is dangerously low at just 13%. He needs immediate medical intervention, or he may not survive.

Burns has been in the ER for over 30 hours now. While he’s getting some care, we’re still facing an uncertain path ahead. Burns needs medication and another blood transfusion to raise his blood cell levels to a healthier range of 25-30%. We also need further tests to better understand the cause of his heart issues and to prevent the situation from worsening. With his heart condition, time is critical, and every moment counts.

As of now, his medical bills are nearing $7,000—and this doesn’t include the additional treatments and transfusions he will need. The estimated costs for his ongoing care are another $5,000 minimum. I’ve already exhausted my bank account to give Burns this much help, but I’m now reaching out to ask for your support to help cover the remaining costs.Burns is my emotional support system, and without him, I truly don’t know where I’d be. He’s been there for me during every difficult moment. Losing Burns would be devastating—not just for me, but for his brother Bender, too, who is clearly missing him in the ER. These two have been inseparable since they were kittens, and I can’t bear the thought of losing one of them.

I’m asking for help, not just for Burns but for my peace of mind and emotional well-being. Please help me save my best friend. Your support will directly fund his treatments, blood transfusions, and medications. Every donation, no matter how small, will bring me one step closer to getting Burns the help he desperately needs.

I’ll be providing receipts for all of Burns' medical expenses to keep everything transparent, and I’ll share updates as soon as I have more information. I’m also sharing photos of Burns and Bender together, as well as a recent photo of Burns from yesterday. I’m waiting on more updates from the doctor, and I’ll post those soon.

Burns is my heart. He’s not just a cat; he’s my family. I have him tattooed on my leg as a permanent reminder of how much he means to me. Burns and Bender are my emotional lifeline, and I would do anything to save him.

As a thank you for your support, I’m offering to create custom artwork for anyone who donates as a token of my gratitude. Every donation counts, and I’m so grateful for your kindness during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Leighton

Update on Burns 1/3/25 (5:22pm)

He has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and, sadly, did not respond well to his blood transfusion. His doctor is recommending one last transfusion along with steroids. This new transfusion, overnight care, blood tests, and steroids will bring his current costs to $7,300 before any future care plans.

My heart is broken because I currently can’t afford to give him any more help, so I’m praying this transfusion works. Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll be able to take him home and start looking for a specialist. Burns is set to begin his new transfusion in the next hour, and I’ll finally get to see him tomorrow morning.

Thank you all so much for the love and support. This has been the worst experience of my life, but the kindness from everyone has been so overwhelmingly helpful. I love you all. ❤️

Burns Forever