Persik needs help – Emergency after life-saving surgery

My name is Marina, and I’m a sociology master’s student at Bielefeld University in Germany.

In October 2024, I moved from Russia to Germany — not only to study, but also because I had to leave the country for political reasons. I lost my job after I refused to vote under pressure in the 2024 presidential election, and because my anti-war stance was known at work.

I came here with my cat Persik. He is my family. I took him in back in 2021, when he was about one or one and a half years old. In Russia, he had one mild episode of cystitis, which never came back. But after we arrived in Germany, his health deteriorated drastically.

Just one day after landing, we had to go to the vet. Since then, Persik has suffered multiple urinary blockages, was hospitalized twice — and on July 1, 2025, he underwent life-saving surgery (perineal urethrostomy and cystotomy). Without it, he would not have survived.

Altogether, I’ve spent over €8,000 on his treatment — my entire savings originally meant for my studies. These costs include not only the summer surgery, but also earlier episodes in the winter, when Persik first became seriously ill. The surgery alone in July cost more than €3,600. The insurance denied reimbursement, saying it was a pre-existing condition.

Even now, a month after the operation, Persik still needs daily care. He still wears a protective collar, I feed him with a spoon, clean the surgical site, and make sure he doesn’t hurt himself again.

I speak very little German, which makes it extremely difficult to find a job. At the moment, I have enough money to cover basic needs until the end of September. If I don’t find work by then, I don’t know how I’ll be able to support us.

I’m turning to you because I see no other way forward. With this campaign, I hope to raise at least €2,000 — just enough to avoid a financial crisis after these high medical expenses and to give myself some time to find a job.

I can provide all medical bills and documents if needed. Any support — big or small — helps us get through this incredibly hard time.

Thank you so much!