Hi everyone, my name is Amanda, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this.

On November 12th, I was bitten by an injured stray cat while working as the Kennel Advocate at Harbor House of Central Florida. I trapped the cat to get it emergency care, and during that process it bit my hand. At first I thought it would be manageable, but by the next day the pain and swelling had worsened significantly. Urgent Care sent me straight to the ER, and I was admitted into the hospital for IV antibiotics, pain management, and evaluation by a hand specialist due to concerns about infection and possible ligament or tendon damage.

As it turns out, the cat bit me down to the bone. Infection took hold fast and caused me to need emergency surgery and several days in the hospital. I’m still recovering, in pain, and unable to use my hand normally. I’ve been placed on medical restrictions and cannot return to work yet.

Workers’ compensation has approved my claim, but I learned today that it will only cover a portion of my wages, not my full income. I already live paycheck to paycheck while supporting my kids and household, and losing this much income — during the holidays and while recovering from a painful injury — has put me in a really difficult situation.

Between my hospital stay, follow-up appointments, recovery time, and the restrictions from my doctor, I’m facing 1–2 months of reduced income. I’m doing everything I can, and I genuinely hate asking for help — but right now I don’t have many options, and I’m trying to keep my household stable while I recover.

If you’re able to give, even a little bit, it would mean more than I can express. And if you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser would help tremendously.

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and your prayers during one of the scariest and most painful experiences I’ve ever had. I’m grateful for every single person who takes the time to read, donate, or share.

I’ll keep everyone updated on my healing and when I’m able to return to work.