Help Ollie Fight Cancer

Meet Ollie — my sweet, fluffy, four-year-old cat and the love of my life. In February 2023, Ollie came into my home as a foster cat. At his very first vet visit, we learned he was FeLV positive — Feline Leukemia Virus. For many cats, that diagnosis means an uncertain future. Whether it is difficulty finding a permanent home or in most cases, euthanasia. For me, it meant one thing- Ollie wasn't going anywhere. I knew I could give him the best possible life and care, and just like that, I became a foster fail. 

From that day forward, I committed myself to his health and learning more about FeLV. I had regular RealPCR tests run, tracked his numbers, and worked to support and strengthen his immune system, and for a time, we were able to maintain his infection at a regressive — or controlled — level. FeLV is a devastating disease, but what makes it even harder to accept is that it is entirely preventable through vaccination. Cats who go unvaccinated and are exposed to the virus have no protection, and the outcome is almost always exactly what Ollie is now facing. 

Despite everything I did to keep him healthy, Ollie's FeLV has suddenly progressed. After a frightening health decline that brought him through emergency care and into the hands of specialists, the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center's Oncology team has diagnosed him with suspected lymphoma — a type of cancer strongly associated with FeLV in cats his age.

The good news is that Ollie is now in the care of the University of Minnesota's Oncology Service — one of the most experienced veterinary oncology teams in the region. We have decided to pursue chemotherapy treatment, which gives Ollie a real chance at more time with us. It's important to be clear: this is not a cure. But it is hope. And beyond Ollie himself, his case carries real significance — FeLV-related lymphoma could certainly use more research, and by pursuing treatment through UMN's oncology team, Ollie's journey will contribute meaningful real-world data that could help future cats facing the same diagnosis.

Every dollar raised will go directly and solely toward Ollie's veterinary care — oncology visits, chemotherapy, medications, diagnostics, and supportive treatments throughout this process. His care is my responsibility, and I am fully committed to giving him every fighting chance.

A note on transparency: Should treatment come to an end before all funds are used, I am offering two options: 

1) Donate the remaining fund to FeLV research. 

2) To return a proportional refund. For example, if only 75% of the funds raised are used, each person who donated will receive back 25% of what they gave. For this option, please make sure your donation is not anonymous. 

Your generosity will never go further than Ollie needs it to.

I understand that times are tough and money is tight. If you're unable to donate, please do consider sharing this page. Every share puts Ollie in front of someone who might be able to help. 

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!