Please Help Save Kayla
Donation protected
On May 12, 2013, Kayla was diagnosed with what her
veterinarians believe to be Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
("IMHA"). Without blood transfusions to keep her red blood cell
volume high enough to allow for the delivery of oxygen to her organs, Kayla will
likely not survive. Unfortunately, blood transfusions only buy so much time and
the medications and supplemental therapies used to treat IMHA can take up to
6-8 weeks to work. Kayla has had two blood transfusions, has been on one
immunosuppressant for about 3 weeks and a second immunosuppressant for about 2
weeks. In order to allow the medications and supplemental therapies enough time
to work, we expect that Kayla may need 2 or 3 additional blood transfusions,
costing a total of approximately $3,200.00. Due to the costs of prior
diagnostic testing and blood transfusions, and the ongoing costs for medications,
supplements, reexaminations and blood testing, we are unable to afford to give
her the additional blood transfusions she will need to give her a fighting
chance at returning to an otherwise healthy and happy life. The cost of each
transfusion, including performing the necessary blood tests and IVs,
cross-matching the blood (due to prior transfusions) and the charge for time
spent in the ICU is approximately $1,050.00. Unfortunately, we are now in a very
difficult position "“ imagine clearing out your bank account to purchase your
dream car:only to realize that it's out of gas:and you're out of money. The
cost of routine maintenance to treat Kayla's IMHA has now left us unable to
afford the blood transfusions that will give her body the time it needs to
respond to treatment.
(Kayla waiting for the vet to come take her for her second blood transfusion)
Throughout this ordeal, I have been told by family, friends and co-workers to think about whether we are doing this for Kayla or whether we are doing this for us. That's what makes this harder than I could have ever imagined. We all know that we will almost certainly outlive our pets and that eventually we will have to deal with the grief that comes with losing them. However, I always thought when that time came that I would find peace in knowing that letting go would be to end her suffering. How do you say to your most loyal companion in life, "Although you appear to be otherwise happy and healthy and there is a chance I can save you, I'm sorry, I have to let you go because I can't afford to give you enough time to try and live?" How do you give up before you know whether you can help? How do you draw the line in determining how much is "too much?"
Although some may disagree, I cannot give up, not yet, and not until I know that I have done everything I can to give her what she needs to beat this disease. The pride I must put aside in humbling myself to ask for and accept the charity of others is worth the possibility of giving Kayla a chance at enjoying the rest of her life. Kayla has provided me with 10 years of happiness, unconditional love and memories that will last a lifetime; for this I can never truly repay her, no matter what the price. So I turn to you, my family, friends and fellow animal lovers. If you are able and interested in donating toward our efforts at giving Kayla a fighting chance at life, your help is sincerely appreciated. Thank you all for your time, understanding and support "“ we appreciate it more than Kayla loves chicken (and that's a lot!).
Megan, Lex & Kayla
(Kayla waiting for the vet to come take her for her second blood transfusion)
Throughout this ordeal, I have been told by family, friends and co-workers to think about whether we are doing this for Kayla or whether we are doing this for us. That's what makes this harder than I could have ever imagined. We all know that we will almost certainly outlive our pets and that eventually we will have to deal with the grief that comes with losing them. However, I always thought when that time came that I would find peace in knowing that letting go would be to end her suffering. How do you say to your most loyal companion in life, "Although you appear to be otherwise happy and healthy and there is a chance I can save you, I'm sorry, I have to let you go because I can't afford to give you enough time to try and live?" How do you give up before you know whether you can help? How do you draw the line in determining how much is "too much?"
Although some may disagree, I cannot give up, not yet, and not until I know that I have done everything I can to give her what she needs to beat this disease. The pride I must put aside in humbling myself to ask for and accept the charity of others is worth the possibility of giving Kayla a chance at enjoying the rest of her life. Kayla has provided me with 10 years of happiness, unconditional love and memories that will last a lifetime; for this I can never truly repay her, no matter what the price. So I turn to you, my family, friends and fellow animal lovers. If you are able and interested in donating toward our efforts at giving Kayla a fighting chance at life, your help is sincerely appreciated. Thank you all for your time, understanding and support "“ we appreciate it more than Kayla loves chicken (and that's a lot!).
Megan, Lex & Kayla
Organizer
Megan Lees
Organizer
San Diego, CA
