Main fundraiser photo

HELP HUGO BEAT CANCER

Donation protected
My name is Kim. My domestic short-hair tabby's name is Hugo. Hugo is about 9 years young, while I myself am 28. We've been together since my first summer of college (when Hugo had just returned to the shelter after being fostered as a newborn kitten).

Hugo and I have a unique story. The day he grabbed my attention (quite literally) at the shelter, marked the beginning of our journey together. I guess you could confidently say that Hugo chose me. You see, I'm a sucker for tabby kittens. I grew up with 2 cats--both of them tabbies--both of which I single handedly picked from each of their litters. So, when choosing a kitten that summer, I was convinced I needed to give other kittens a chance. I was playing in a cage full of rambunctious kittens (not one tabby in site), when suddenly there was a rustle and a large cry from under one of the cage shelves. (Enter Hugo) Stretching out and climbing down from what appeared to be a kitten hammock, he had me cornered. Hugo then continued to cry until he climbed down from the hammock and straight into my arms. With an entrance like that, how could I not pick him up and cradle him in my arms.

He was paw deep in my hair, swatting and yanking, when a couple walked through the door and asked to adopt him. My heart immediately sank. The receptionist was quick to respond that Hugo was already adopted and soon to be in his new home. I was heartbroken. After the couple had left, I inquired about the previous situation. Before I could finish my sentence, the receptionist started to laugh and smile. "I knew you two would be going home with each other," she said. "It is quite obvious that you belong together." Hugo and I have been together ever since. The bond we have is inseparable. For a cat, he has quite a unique personality. I can confidently say: Hugo is not your average cat.

For starters, Hugo is quite the athlete. Not only does Hugo play fetch with toy mice and shoestrings, he is also an avid competitor in Hide-And-Go-Seek. His seeking skills are pretty impressive, but every once in a while, when he is unable to find me, he'll scream at the top of his lungs until I appear out of a dark corner. At the age of 2, Hugo mastered the art of opening doors. That's right..twisting the door knob with 2 paws until the door popped open. Amongst many other talents (like compiling every toy he owns in his water bowl all at once), Hugo has never ceased to amaze me. Not only does he have an unreal sense of humor, he is also the most sympathetic and affectionate animal I have ever met.

Hugo cannot stand to see me cry--he will literally paw the tears running down my cheek. When I sleep, if he is not wrapped around me trying to win "Best Cuddler Of The Year Award," you can find him at my foot nearest the door, keeping watch. Same goes for the shower--his back always facing the shower curtain, standing alert. I remember one time in particular, after having had surgery, Hugo almost tearing through my bedroom door just to be close to me. My mother finally held him up to me for a visit. He reached out and wrapped his paws tightly around my left arm. He then laid there, still by my side, just holding me. That all being said, it is no wonder why Hugo is my best friend. I am sharing this story with you because Hugo and I need your help.

About a month and a half ago, Hugo was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (Sarcoma) on his upper left paw/chest. Since then, he has been a warrior--attending multiple vet visits and undergoing surgery to remove the cancerous growth. After surgery, Hugo's staples were removed and his biopsy results came back heart wrenching. We visited an Oncologist soon after. The oncologist provided us with our options--radiation proving to be the best fit (21 sessions total / costing approximately $7,000).  That is why I am reaching out--in hopes you can hear our cry for help. 

Let it be said, I am purely hanging onto faith--and hope. The hope that this message touches someone's heart who is able to make a difference in both our lives. It would mean the absolute world to us.


Thank you for your support
Kim & Hugo

Donations 

  • Mary Haddad
    • $25 
    • 8 yrs

Organizer

Kim Stromberg
Organizer
Belleville, NJ

Inspired to help? Start a fundraiser for someone you know

Help someone you know by raising funds and getting their support started.

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.