Heros for Hiro

Hi, I am a cat mom who needs help to save her fur kid, Hiro who had been diagnosed with Dry FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).

Hiro's origin story is one of near tragedy. He was found in a traffic lane on the ramp of an extremely busy highway. He was spotted by a friend who risked his own life to save this little guy. He was named Hero by them and got him to a rescue where he was nursed as he was approximately 4 weeks old at the time. The rescue took him in and not only nursed him, but socialized him and he became the welcoming committee in the foster home. He was then vaccinated, chipped and neutered.

Then that same friend adopted him and gave him to me and my husband as a wedding gift. We altered the spelling of his name to Hiro, from the animated movie Big Hero 6. He lives up to the name. He is brave, adventurous and loves to explore, play and snuggle.

He is a year and a half and has been diagnosed with FIP. FIP is Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

From vcahospitals.com:

"FIP is associated with a viral infection called feline coronavirus. ( Not the dreaded COVID19!) Diagnosing FIP is very challenging for many reasons.

Some cats develop 'dry' or non-effusive FIP where little to no fluid accumulates. The dry form often involves severe inflammation in one or more organs including the eyes, brain, liver, intestine, or other organs of the body, leading to a variety of clinical signs. Many cats with non-effusive FIP will have ocular (eye) symptoms as their only clinical sign.

Once disease develops, most individuals deteriorate rapidly, although some cats remain normal for several weeks. Unfortunately, the disease will eventually result in death in almost every case."

During our second visit to discuss the real possibility that Hiro is FIP positive the vet told us about this treatment called GS-441524 with a 90% cure rate.

However, it is very costly. Two weeks of treatment costs $420.00 and that's just the medication. This does not include the syringes, disposal container, alcohol pads, vet visits for blood work and check ups.

I've maxed out one credit card with vet visits and a two week supply of the medication. The treatment is for 84 days of injections with an 84 day observation period. At the end of the observation period of there are no relapses, he is considered cured.

Hiro has had two doses of the medication and is responding to it. They are baby steps, but steps in the right direction.

I'm asking for help in paying for the medication, supplies and vet visits. I'll post updates on his treatment and photos if I'm able to. I am also offering in return for your support a "Pawtograhed" photo of Hiro. I'll choose a couple of my favorites and have them done up for all donors.