Tuna Needs Your Support to Beat Cancer

Hello, my name is Hayeon! (or Jessica, as many of you know me).

Today, I am trying to raise funds for my cat Tuna, to support and help her beat cancer. Recently, Tuna was diagnosed with a tumor on the gland on the left side of her face. The tumor is causing her severe discomfort, making it hard for her to eat, groom, or even live comfortably. The growth is corroding her bones and has been painful for her. Please help us spread this campaign to your friends, families, and colleagues for our little Tuna.

To share a little bit about us, I met Tuna in an animal shelter in Miami around 2018. She was the only adult cat (she was 7!) who was left behind at the shelter with 2 other kittens looking for a new home. I was actively looking to adopt adult cats because a lot of pet owners prefer kittens, and most adult cats are usually left behind, abandoned.

Tuna was very reserved when I met her. She already had the name "Tuna" from her previous owner. Her caretaker cried (yes, she CRIED) when I was taking her home with me and asked me to take good care of her mami. This interaction was my first meeting with Tuna, and it made a lasting impression on me. It also made me think a lot about the responsibility I was taking on with this little being.

I had many ups and downs living alone in the US without my family around me. A lot of my good friends supported me and helped me raise Tuna throughout the years, and I am forever grateful for them.

This year, Tuna and I returned to Korea after living together for seven wonderful years in the States. She’s now 14 years old, and although she’s been healthy overall, recently she’s started drooling excessively and losing interest in food. After tests, we discovered the tumor, and our world has been turned upside down. Unfortunately, the tumor’s location makes surgery unlikely to be a safe or viable option, so we are exploring chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments to help her.

As a young professional still building my career, I’m doing everything I can to cover the costs of her treatments, but the medical bills here are overwhelming, and I need your help to give Tuna the best chance at recovery. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a huge difference in her journey toward healing.

Tuna is more than just a pet—she’s family. Your support means the world to both of us, and I will forever be grateful for your kindness and generosity. Please consider donating, and if you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign with your network will also make a significant impact.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping Tuna and me in this difficult time. Together, we can help her beat cancer and give her more happy years with us.

Love, Hayeon (and Tuna)