Rescue Kitten Sushi Needs Liver Shunt Surgery

Sushi is an 11-week-old kitten rescued November 29, 2020, from the at-risk list at NYC's municipal shelter. Because he had developed liver-related seizures, little Sushi was a candidate for euthanasia unless he could be rescued.
No one was stepping up for Sushi, so I did. I run a one-person independent kitten rescue  in Brooklyn. I took Sushi to our kitten vet specialist for diagnostic tests to narrow down the causes of his seizures. We now know Sushi’s liver isn’t doing its job, and it's likely due to a portosystemic liver shunt, but we don’t know for sure yet. The additional tests needed to confirm Sushi’s diagnosis (an angiogram and CT) will be extremely expensive—likely $1,800. Our vet estimates the cost of then surgically fixing it to be $4,500, even with a generous rescue discount. Sushi’s bills so far have run us about $1,000. Add in medications, a special diet, and follow-up visits and saving Sushi has us looking at an $8,000-$10,000 bill.

This is an absolutely breathtaking bill for an independent rescuer like me.
But I didn’t take Sushi on just to give up on him. I’m not a big organization with a deep donor base; I’m just me. But Sushi matters and I hope I can make him matter to you, too. The outcomes of this surgery are very good. Sushi is a sweet and affectionate kitten who doesn’t understand his body will keep poisoning him without it. When he loses sight of me, he squeaks out little frantic mews. I call out: “Sushi loosh, you’re not lost, don’t worry, I know exactly where you are.”

When I tell Sushi he is not lost, I mean it. Please help me keep this promise to him. He deserves a chance. All estimates and receipts will be posted. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Sushi and for considering donating toward his surgery.  If you can't help financially at this time, would you please share this GoFundMe? It could mean everything to one little kitten in Brooklyn.