The Great Tummy Rescue; Help Damon Find His True Diagnosis

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out because I'm at a point of total exhaustion—emotionally, financially, and mentally. I'm a full-time single mom living in a small studio apartment with my toddler and multiple pets, including my sweet cat who’s been seriously ill.

He was my very first pet—my heart—and he helped me through the devastating loss of my father. Now, he’s the one who needs me, and I’m doing everything I can… but I’m drowning.

For over a year now, we’ve been battling what we thought was just severe IBS. I've already spent over $3,000 on vet visits, prescription meds, and every type of food under the sun—raw, hypoallergenic, prescription—you name it. At one point, it seemed like we were making progress. But now we’re back to square one, and things have taken a terrifying turn.

He’s extremely sick—vomiting and pooping at the same time, clearly in distress, and it’s unbearable to witness. The vet suspects something far more serious now—possibly a form of stomach cancer affecting the stomach lining (I couldn’t even process the full medical term, I was so overwhelmed). They’ve strongly recommended an internal stomach ultrasound, which alone costs $700, not including consultation fees or any treatment that may follow.

The only alternative they offered… was euthanasia.

I’m devastated. He’s not “just a cat.” He’s family. He’s been with me through heartbreak and grief, and I can’t give up on him—especially not because of money.

To make things even harder, he’s not my only cat. I’ve been doing everything I can to care for all of them, but this has pushed things past the edge. My dog, who I love deeply, can’t even live with us anymore because the environment in our studio just isn’t safe or manageable with his needs on top of everything else.

Between caring for a toddler, cleaning constant messes, and watching a pet I love suffer while I scrape together rent—my mental health is hanging by a thread. I’m surrounded by poop, puke, and heartbreak, and there’s only so much I can carry alone.

If you’ve ever loved a pet like family, you’ll understand why I’m asking for help.

Anything you can contribute—whether it’s $5 or just sharing this post—would go directly toward his ultrasound, diagnosis, and whatever treatment we can manage afterward. I’m not ready to say goodbye, and I don’t think he is either.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for even considering helping us.

With all my heart,

Frankie