UPDATE - JANUARY 9th

Our little fighter has come a long way since the weekend! I'm happy to share that Jack remains in stable condition. He doesn't love getting his shots (who does, honestly!) but he's brave and we're very proud.

Jack's seizures have abated and he's not showing any outward signs of decline. This turkey had the gumption to even run up the stairs on his own, wobbly backend and all (don't worry, he's well supervised.. but stubborn!) There doesn't seem to be any way to slow this fella down, and it's a relief to know that even as sick as he is, he still feels safe enough to keep being a "kitten".

There are underlying concerns that Jack may meet some complications due to a minor malformation of his heart, but that's a potential battle for another potential day. We're remaining cautiously optimistic that Jack has many more happy days with us!

REMINDER

I have a print that I'm sending to anyone that donates $10 or more! If you've already donated and would like a copy, please email your address. It's a 3.5"x6" illustration of Jack as "The Sun" tarot card, which represents positivity, health, well-being, and life energy. You can see the full illustration at my instagram (gofundme crops images weirdly!): https://www.instagram.com/lizmacdraws/

ALSO: We're working on stickers and prints to distribute through businesses in Hamilton Ontario, where Jack and his family live! If you would like to carry some merch to help us fundraise, let us know!

Thank you again for your kindness and generosity!

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UPDATE II - JANUARY 7th

Liz Mac here again, letting you all know that I've created a piece of art that you can receive by donating $10 or more.

I've turned this beloved house panther into a tarot card. In particular, I've turned him into The Sun Card:

"The Sun card represents a feeling of optimism and fulfillment. This card represents the dawn which follows the darkest of nights. The Sun is the source of all the life on our planet, and it represents life energy itself." *

This print is 3.5"x6", making it easy to pop on the fridge, use as a bookmark, keep at your desk, whatever! I am paying out-of-pocket for the cost of printing and shipping, so be sure that 100% of your donations will be going directly to Jack's treatment. If you've already donated and would like to receive a copy, please send your mailing address to [email redacted].

*https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-sun-meaning-major-arcana-tarot-card-meanings

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UPDATE - JANUARY 7th

Hello again, friends! I'm here to provide an update on Jack's journey.

First off, I have some art in the works that will be posted later on today that will be available in exchange for donations. Stay tuned.

Secondly, I want to thank each and everyone one of you for your kind messages, donations, and for sharing this fundraiser. Jack is a special boy and we are not backing down on this fight. He deserves a chance at life and it's thanks to you that I have this news to share:

The Good News

Jack is still with us. His appetite is good and he still insists on acting like a kitten, despite his back legs failing, which brings moments of heartbreaking joy. He loves to play with his stick-and-ball toy, he devours squeezy tube treats, and is very active. Jack began showing new symptoms last night, developing a fever and seizures. Our Jack is an incredible fighter though and he shows no signs of lethargy. This spritely baby loves to love and to be loved, following my sister Cadence (his "mom") around the house and asks for cuddles from her 'round the clock.

The Bad News

After extensive testing, including an MRI and a spinal tap, it's confirmed what our dear 8-month-old Jack is facing: FIP.

FIP, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis, is a type of coronavirus found in cats that is fast and fatal. It's a devastating and painful condition that causes paralysis, swelling, and respiratory distress, among a myriad of other cruel symptoms, almost always culminating in death, usually within days. Up until the last couple of years or so, this diagnosis would have an almost 100% mortality rate. HOWEVER, there is hope - and we're not giving up!

The Great News

An off-label treatment has recently emerged that has a 90% success rate in successfully managing FIP. Cadence and family sourced this drug late last night and gave Jack his first shot earlier today. Because these injections aren't technically approved in North America, this means that Cadence herself is now facing 84 days of subcutaneous injections. It's this, or simply let Jack suffer a painful death or immediate euthanization.

Jack received his first shot extremely well, only giving a little holler, which is a gift in itself as these treatments can be painful. He took it like a champ and immediately had a feast of kibbles and treats. Further proof that this little guy is in this fight just as much as we are.

These treatments are incredibly expensive, costing up to $10,000 for a full 84-day cycle. If you have anything - even $5 - to spare, it will truly benefit Jack and his family, and, with just a little bit of luck, will save his life. We understand if you do not have the cash to spare this soon after the holidays, so instead of a donation, we'd appreciate it if you could share this page with folks you know who might be able to help.

A Message from Cadence:

Cadence has been overwhelmed by the support and love. Due to the stressful circumstances she and her family are facing, she isn't able to respond to everyone's messages. But she has this to say to all of you:

"I want everyone to know that I appreciate all the check-ins, support, love, and donations. I don’t think I could fully express right now how much it all means to me but it means the world to me right now. Thank you."

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JANUARY 5th

My name is Elizabeth Macmichael, also known as Liz Mac, and I’m an illustrator based out of Dartmouth NS.

I’ve set up this gofundme as a plea for help for my sister’s cat, Jack.

Jack is a sweet young boy who, a few weeks ago, began encountering problems using the litter box. His symptoms worsened over the holidays and now his back legs are failing. He has consistent bouts of diarrhea and his bladder needs to be manually expressed. He’s in diapers and needs round-the-clock care.

All tests have come back completely normal. On paper, Jack should be in perfect health! He plays, purrs, eats, and most of all, Jack wants to LIVE. Vets are baffled and so far, treatment costs have been in the thousands.

it’s possible Jack might have FIP, a fast and brutally painful disease that has almost no survival rate. In order to treat Jack he needs extensive tests, an MRI, and medication, and he needs it as soon as possible.

Jack is my sister’s heart-cat. He’s the absolute joy of her life. He’s sweet, cuddly, and brings so much happiness to my sister and her husband and two young children.

Please donate if you can, and share! I am working on some sort of reward - a print or a sticker or something - for those of you kind enough to donate. Stay tuned for updates.