This tiny girl showed up outside my friend’s work—barely eight weeks old, covered in mud, and crying her little head off. I took her home, gave her a warm bath, and quickly realized things were worse than they looked.

She’s got multiple wounds on her front leg, under her chin, and around her neck. When I took her to the vet this morning, the diagnosis just about broke me:

• Maggots in the wounds

• Possible infection

• Dehydration

• Possible broken or dislocated leg

• Anemia from blood loss

• Early signs of starvation

They quoted me $800 just to start, but it’ll likely go higher once they address the leg, stitches, and follow-up care. She’ll need months of recovery and ongoing wound care before she’s truly out of the woods.

We can’t afford that—not even close. I called BARC, and while they said they’d treat her, we’d have to surrender her to do it. After everything this little cat has already survived, I just can’t bring myself to hand her over and walk away.

Jerry shared her story on social media, and people encouraged us to set up this GoFundMe so anyone who wants to help can do so directly.

If you’ve ever seen a creature fight this hard to stay alive, you know it’s impossible not to help. Every dollar will go toward her medical care, medication, and recovery. We’ll keep everyone updated as she heals.

Thank you for helping us give Ophelia the chance she deserves.