Support Mochi's Journey to Recovery

Mochi, estimated to be around 9 years old, is a survivor of the 2023 Lahaina, Maui fires. During that heartbreaking time, he and several other cats found unexpected refuge at my grandmother’s home—one of the few that miraculously remained standing. Since then, my grandmother, Dawn and Leilani (community cat caretakers), my husband, and I have been caring for him as he transitioned from community cat to beloved companion.

After moving into my grandmother’s house, I began bonding more deeply with Mochi. One night, I noticed a small lump near his jawline. At first, we hoped it was a minor abscess, but over time, it grew—quickly and alarmingly. Deeply attached and concerned, I took him to a vet. They attempted to drain the lump, but nothing came out—it was firm and unresponsive. He was given a 10mL injection of Convenia and prescribed Meloxidyl (Meloxicam) to help in case it was an infection that could heal on its own.

Thankfully, the medication helped reduce some of the swelling. Dawn: local community cat caretaker—who generously helps manage cat colonies across Maui—stepped in again and brought Mochi back to our vet. This time, they were able to aspirate a small amount of fluid from the lump, and we began to hope it might just be a very old scratch or abscess. She even covered the cost of that visit out of her own kindness.

Unfortunately, not long after, I took Mochi for a follow-up at Maui Humane Society, where they sedated him for further imaging. That’s when we received heartbreaking news: a large internal mass was found extending from his neck to his shoulder, very close to his lymph nodes. The vet suspects it may be cancer, but no biopsy has been done yet, so we still don’t have a confirmed diagnosis.

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Why We’re Asking for Help

Despite everything, Mochi is still eating, drinking, using the bathroom, and showing his sweet, vocal personality. His spirit gives us hope. We don’t want to assume the worst without knowing the truth—and we believe he deserves a chance to fight, if there’s still time.

We are asking for help to:

• Cover the cost of his biopsy so we can confirm what this mass actually is

• Pursue treatment or surgery if it’s something we can remove

• Provide comfort care or medications if it’s inoperable

Unfortunately, we can’t afford this on our own. This unexpected situation has left us emotionally and financially overwhelmed.

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What Your Donation Will Help With:

• Diagnostic testing (biopsy, ultrasound, labs): $600–$1,500

• Possible surgery or medication

• Follow-up vet visits and supportive care

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Mochi is not just “a cat.” He’s a survivor. A fighter. And now, a cherished member of our family. We want to honor his strength by giving him the best chance possible—and we’re asking for help from anyone who believes in second chances.

Even a small donation or share can make a huge difference. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Mochi’s journey.

With love and gratitude,

the Mastersons