Help Shelby and Po'boy Overcome Medical Bills

Hi, my name is Shelby, and I’m a stage 4 cancer patient. This is my cat, Po’boy, who has been my constant companion and source of comfort during my diagnosis and treatment. I shared his story on TikTok, hoping to find funding for cancer patients who need help with vet bills, and many suggested creating this GoFundMe.

In December, Po’boy began squinting his right eye. A vet visit revealed a large mass in his mouth. He was referred to a specialist, and the next day, he underwent surgery to remove the mass and take biopsies. The odds were 9/10 that it was cancer, but thankfully, Po’boy defied those odds—he’s our “10% kitty”! That first visit cost $4,224, which I put on a Care Credit card, but I worried about making the payments alongside my own medical bills.

Although the biopsies were clear, Po’boy’s eye didn’t fully heal. He started steroids, which helped slightly, but then he developed frequent sneezing. Another vet visit for a suspected URI cost $214. Shortly after, his face began to swell, and he collapsed, unable to walk straight. We rushed him to the ER, where he was hospitalized and received a CT scan. Thankfully, they found an abscess near his head, which was drained and flushed, and he’s now on antibiotics. This visit was $5,313.

Between my own treatments and Po’boy’s, I’m overwhelmed by these expenses, totaling over $9,700 so far. I believe in the power of community care and hope for any support you can offer. Thank you for your kindness. I promise to pay it forward when I’m able.