If you know me, you know Minju. She’s my sweet 6-year-old calico daughter, my best friend, my emotional support, and my constant companion for the past five years.

Unfortunately, Minju has been struggling medically since January. Earlier this year, she was admitted to the ER for dangerously high blood pressure. We’ve been managing it with medication, but her health has slowly declined since then. In February, her third eyelid began pushing out into her eye, and a few weeks ago, her eye began to bleed. She’s been receiving constant vet care all year, and when the bleeding began, we moved forward with a biopsy to test for cancer.

Today, I got the call that confirmed my worst fears: Minju has squamous cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of malignant cancer found in her third eyelid. This type of cancer can spread quickly if left untreated, but surgery to remove the eye and surrounding tissue could give her a real chance -- not only to survive, but to live a long and comfortable life.

To date, I’ve already spent over $6,000 on Minju’s medical care this year alone. I’ve done everything I can to keep her healthy and comfortable. The recommended next step is a CT scan to determine how far the cancer has spread, but that alone costs nearly $7,000, which is out of reach for me. The eye removal surgery, however, is more attainable at $3,000, and could be lifesaving. It could be the difference between months left to live and years of more life.

My vet shared that many cats go on to live full, happy lives after this kind of surgery, especially if it’s done soon. The clinic can schedule the procedure as early as next week, but I wouldn’t be able to afford it for at least another month or two. That terrifies me, because I believe this has been progressing for almost five months, and every week that passes increases the risk of the cancer spreading further. I want to act fast, but I need help to do that.

I only found out about Minju’s diagnosis today, but I am already planning out other ways to build the funds for her treatment, this is just one of them.

In the meantime, if you can donate even just a little or share Minju’s story, it would mean the world to us.

I love her more than I can express, and I truly hope we have at least another 5 years together. She still has so much life left to live, and I can’t imagine mine without her in it. Please help me give her that chance.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, support, and kindness.

With love,

Leslie & Minju