Hi friends,

I'm sad and upset, and have created this GoFundMe on behalf of my daughter Katie and her family, whom many of you know, and their beloved cat, Winnie, whom many of you also know.

Recently, something hasn’t been right with Winnie. She has almost stopped eating, and when she was weighed by the vet was discovered to have lost over 10% of her body weight. She stopped grooming herself, and is moving more slowly, often hunched. She's traditionally been energetic and spicy, and now just behaves like she's miserable. She’s only 10, so this isn't about age, but something deeply wrong.

An initial vet visit and x-ray showed an enlarged heart, and inflammation in both her stomach and intestines. She has more tests scheduled — including an ultrasound and a full blood panel — but the exact cause of her illness is still unknown. The finances of all this are already adding up, but we have to give Winnie every chance.

We're deeply worried. Katie is beside herself. Anyone who has ever loved a pet understands they’re not “just animals.” As someone who understands all too well the heartbreak associated with a pet’s decline, I want my daughter to get the answers she needs, and the treatment for Winnie. They are family. Winnie is Katie’s soul cat.

Since Winnie isn’t too old, there is some hope, but it is still uncertain, and the medical bills are adding up quickly.

Katie doesn’t like to ask for support, instead often helping others, so I'm posting on her behalf.

Winnie has been part of the family for the past nine years. She picked Katie on the street one day, followed her home, and has never left her side. Anyone who knows Katie knows how much she loves her “Winnie B”. A wall of her office is peppered with portraits of Winnie, and there's Winnie inspired artwork in her classroom.

I am asking for your support to help Katie, Brian, and Kevin give Winnie the best chance at healing. It is already emotional enough living in limbo, so I want to make sure the finances aren’t a concern for them.

Every little bit you can contribute will help get Winnie the care she needs, and lessen the burden on Katie and her family.

Thank you!

Lorna