Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest experiences in life. Recently, I had to say farewell to my beloved friend and cat, Hunter. The pain is still fresh, but in his memory, I want to do something meaningful: I'm running a 15-mile memorial run (one mile for every year of his precious life) to raise funds for Salish Veterinary Hospital in Snoqualmie, WA.

I will be matching the donation amount 1:1 to 2x the impact.

Our goal is to help families facing financial hardship afford vital veterinary care for their furry family members. We are specifically raising money to donate to Salish Veterinary Hospital, who provided exceptional and compassionate care to Hunter during his two-year battle with Feline Leukemia Virus. These funds will be earmarked to directly assist pet owners in our community who are struggling to cover the costs of treatment, emergency care, or even preventative medicine. No one should have to face the heartbreaking decision between their financial stability and the health of their beloved pet.

Let me tell you a little about Hunter. He came into my life as a tiny, 8-week-old ball of fluff in the spring of 2010 in Huntsville, Alabama. A year later, he embarked on a cross-country adventure with me to Seattle, Washington, where he remained my steadfast companion for the rest of his days. Hunter was a unique soul – a bit of a loner in many ways, but deeply loyal and affectionate to those he chose to love. He had a warmth and quiet devotion that was incredibly special.

In May of 2023, we received the difficult diagnosis of Feline Leukemia Virus. What followed were two years of ups and downs, but through it all, Hunter showed incredible resilience and a fighting spirit. He was so patient and brave during every vet visit, never giving up, never losing his gentle nature. He defied the odds for almost two years post-diagnosis, a testament to his strength.

Sadly, in December of 2024, Hunter developed an upper respiratory infection, a common challenge for FeLV+ cats. This time, even his formidable spirit couldn't overcome it. The infection spread, affecting his eyes, and despite a three-day hospitalization and a barrage of medications, it became clear that his little body was exhausted. With heavy hearts, and out of pure love and compassion, we made the agonizing decision to let him go peacefully.

While we are fortunate to have been able to provide Hunter with the best possible care throughout his life and illness, we know that not everyone is in the same position. That's why I’m running this memorial run. I want to ensure that other families facing tough times can still give their pets the care they deserve at Salish Veterinary Hospital. The incredible team there provided Hunter with unwavering support, expertise, and kindness, and I want to help them extend that same lifeline to others in our community.

Please consider donating to the Hunter Memorial Run. Every dollar raised will go directly to Salish Veterinary Hospital in Snoqualmie, WA, to be used specifically to support families in need of financial assistance for their pet's veterinary care. Whether you can give a little or a lot, your contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them, ensuring that more pets like Hunter can receive the care they need, regardless of their family's financial situation.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and for helping me honor Hunter's memory in such a meaningful way. Let’s ensure that his legacy is one of compassion and care for all creatures, great and small.

At the conclusion of the memorial run, 100% of the funds raised will be donated directly to Salish Veterinary Hospital via check, as requested by their staff. I will post a photo of the donation being made (with sensitive information redacted) as an update to this campaign.