My son, Gabe, had been asking for a cat for most of his life but as one allergic to cats, I hesitated until this October when he chose Zelda from a local cat rescue. She was the most playful kitten with a loud purr that could be heard as soon as you entered Gabe's bedroom. 

About three weeks ago Zelda started to act lethargic and her abdomen was looking distended. We thought it was roundworms and went to get her treatment. After her first treatment we thought we would see a change, but there was no improvement. In fact, she looked and acted much worse. 

We took her to the VIP clinic where they told me of their suspicion that she has FIP (what I took as a death sentence). I was referred to another vet where the bad news was confirmed. Dr. Rubin drained the fluid build-up in her abdomen and Zelda immediately ate more than I have seen her eat in weeks. She was more alert and started to clean her coat (which she had not done in more than a week). When the vet told us that there is a drug being used with some marked success (I was in the room with Gabe and my mom) we all began to cry. This kitten is Gabe's own personally-selected buddy and she sleeps with him, and if there is anything on this earth I can do to make her life longer and healthier, I want to do that. Then Dr. Rubin told me the cost: $3,000. Since this is medication that has to be ordered from overseas, payments are not much of an option, either. As a single mom supporting my family on a teacher's income, that is not an easy expense for me to take on all at once. So, with Dr. Rubin's encouragement, I am reaching out in this manner.

My son is on the Autism Spectrum and Zelda is his buddy. She sleeps next to him and loves him so much, as does he her. She is an important member of our family, and while she has only been with us a short time, she immediately took up a spot in all of our hearts for the joy she brings to Gabe.  The vet at VIP told me last night that the blessing of us getting Zelda was her blessing as I really want to fight to give her every chance at a long and healthy life. I hope that we are able to do that. With your help we stand a better chance as the longer we wait to treat this disease the less likely it is that she will survive. I spent hours last night reading stories of survival and loss, and while the chances of Zelda's survival are decent today, they won't be if I cannot get these drugs ASAP. 

The course of action is a 3-month regimen of this drug. I will likely also need to bring her in for periodic drainage of her fluids as well as future tests to be sure she has recovered. This is why I am asking for $4000. Any funds not used to help Zelda will be donated to the cat rescue to support any other cats in need of this costly treatment. 

My son is the most important person on this planet to me. He has the most wonderful spirit I have every encountered. To be able to save his cat would be the most incredible gift I could give to him and with your help that will be far more likely. I want to thank you all for sharing this campaign and for any financial assistance you can provide.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.