This fundraiser is for a friend who volunteers with me. Our cat rescue can ALWAYS count on her. No matter how busy she is, she always takes the time to help us- now it is our turn to help her. Please read her story below:

We are heartbroken to share the passing of my aunt, a truly selfless and loving woman who meant so much to so many. She spent the last four years bravely battling congestive heart failure and end-stage kidney disease, along with diabetes and high blood pressure that caused numerous complications despite ongoing medical care. Her health challenges never defined her—her kindness did.

She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back without hesitation. Anyone who knew her knew how deeply she loved and cared for others. She raised me from the age of five and took on the responsibility of caring for me and my siblings starting in 1999, when my mother was incarcerated. She didn’t have to—but she chose us, and she chose love every single day.

Three years ago, she moved me back here from Colorado so I could help care for her. I did everything I could to keep her healthy and safe, but tragically, an undetected infection from her dialysis port led to septic shock. She passed away just hours after I was able to get her to the hospital. Her loss was sudden and devastating.

In true reflection of her heart, she was always helping those in need—taking in stray people and stray animals alike. She especially loved cats and regularly helped stray cats get fixed so they could have a better life.

Unfortunately, her life insurance will not cover the cost of her cremation. We are asking for help to cover these final expenses so we can lay her to rest with the dignity and respect she deserves. Any donation, no matter the size, and even sharing this fundraiser, means more than we can express. Thank you for helping us honor a woman who spent her entire life caring for others.