Dear friends & family,

It’s extremely difficult for me to ask for help for myself.

I can ask for help for cats all day long. I do it every single day. But asking for personal help feels uncomfortable and vulnerable in a way I’m not used to. The truth is, though, I can’t continue to help the cats I love if I’m not healthy — or if I’m not here at all.

About twelve years ago, I had weight loss surgery. At the time, it truly saved my life and gave me a second chance. Over the years, complications developed, and I now need a major corrective gastric bypass surgery that is medically necessary and long overdue.

At this point, I’m in pain daily, and I’m struggling to keep food down. I throw up almost everything I eat. This has been going on for a while. The insurance process and the steps required to get to this point have been long and exhausting, but we are finally here and moving forward. In addition to this surgery, I have been going through smother medical issues, including anemia. I do go get iron infusions once a week and we are hoping that after the surgery that that will help the iron deficiency, I’m exhausted all the time. I’m just ready to have my life back.

My doctor has advised that I need to step away from work ahead of time to reduce stress on my body and then take time afterward to properly recover. Going into surgery as stable and supported as possible truly matters.

I need to be able to go into this surgery feeling confident that I can support myself and the cats in my care while I’m temporarily unable to work — and so I can come out of this stronger, healthier, and able to continue advocating and fighting for cats in an even bigger way.

I’ve been doing what I can to bring in extra income, including selling my antiques, and I’ll continue to do that. This GoFundMe is to help bridge the gap so I can focus on healing and giving this surgery the best possible chance of success.

Funds raised will help with:

• Rent & utilities

• Basic living expenses

• Cats in my care

• Recovery-related needs

Asking for this is hard. But it’s necessary.

If you’re able to donate, I’m deeply grateful.

If you’re not, sharing this means just as much.

Thank you for supporting me, believing in me, and walking with me through this chapter.

Peace, Love & Meow,

Missy