Help save my furbaby Nala's life against rare ITP

Dearest friends/family & community,

My family & I are reaching out to our community with heavy hearts and a desperate plea for help. Our beloved youngest fur baby, Nala, is facing a life-threatening illness called Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP). Starting on August 15, a series of cascading emergencies turned our world upside down and put Nala's life at high risk. Unfortunately, Nala was not able to qualify for insurance in time, as this now deems as a pre-existing condition. I've been navigating a difficult year of unemployment and with my family's current situation, we would be in financial distress due to the sudden onset, severity, and costs associated with treating this illness.

We are determined to do everything we can to save her, and we are humbly asking for your support to give Nala a fighting chance against the ITP stats that suggest she may only have a 50/50 chance of survival given how quickly her symptoms have progressed. She needs a Vet Internal Medicine Specialist ASAP.

Back story:

We’ve been noticing small red spots all over her body since Tuesday, that progressively worsened in a short time. We went to Hercules Pet Clinic to get basic blood work done and to find the cause of her spots. However, they caused even more major bruising where they had to inject her and didn't act with more urgency.

After visiting Urgent Pet in El Cerrito, we were told that Nala has Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (ITP). ITP is a rare and aggressive immune disorder. This is when the body's immune system attacks and destroys its platelets. Due to Nala’s lack of platelets, she has a hard time forming blood clots, which is why her bruises appear as so. She is also essentially bleeding internally, at any trauma site in her body.

The vet we went to see told us transparently about the financial and emotional reality that comes with treating this condition. However, she is our best friend and we have to try our best to give her a fighting chance.

The Fight Ahead:

Nala's treatment plan would be extensive and ongoing, involving a full lifestyle change, regular vet visits, specialized medications, blood tests, and potentially even blood transfusions. Our goal is to provide her with the best possible care to give her a chance at a full recovery without a relapse and a long, happy life. However, the cost of Nala's medical bills has placed an immense financial burden on our shoulders.

As of right now, our goal is to raise $25,000 to cover the costs of Nala's medical treatments, ongoing care, and potential emergencies. Every single dollar raised will go directly toward giving Nala the medical attention she urgently needs.

If you have the means to help, any amount will be helpful and incredibly appreciated. We thank you for taking the time to read our story and are hoping for a positive outcome. We also would like to extend our utmost gratitude to Dr. Kulasekara and Dr. Moung from Urgent Pet for acting with a sense of urgency and treating Nala gently.

Even if you're unable to donate, you can still make a difference by sharing Nala's story. The more people who know about her situation, the greater the chances of reaching our fundraising goal.

ITP is a rare condition, and by spreading awareness, you're helping educate others about the importance of early detection and proper treatment.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your kindness, generosity, and compassion. Your donation and support will be remembered forever.

With so much love and gratitude,

Nala & Fam (Simba, Sarah, Amanda, Elaina, Alicia)

P.S.

NALA fun facts: