If you don't know me, my name is Vi.

About a year ago, I went through a divorce, which strained my finances on its own. Since then, I've experienced many financial setbacks (car engine died, "new" car's clutch needed replaced, water well components dying, among many other smaller financial setbacks) so it has been a difficult year of trying to cover these expenses as well as the new expenses of solo home ownership. These financial setbacks have cost me more than $8,000 which is a significant portion of my income. I've gotten very creative and worked hard to improve my financial situation, and had recently finally begun to create a savings again. Then, a month ago I lost my job suddenly due to a wage dispute, so my finances were in the lurch again. I have been able to live off my savings while I'm looking for work but there is not enough there for large emergencies anymore, and the six months post divorce forced me to extend my credit as far as I am able in order to survive (ie I can't acquire more credit, even if I had the space in my finances to take on more debt).

That brings me to my current situation. My younger cat, Pepper, has had a growing mass next to her eye for about 2 months. I have been monitoring it under the care of Cornell Vet and they have determined it's time to remove it. It's growing quickly and it could cause her to lose her eye, at least, if left much longer. We don't know what it is, tests have been inconclusive so far. They will biopsy once it's removed to find out if it's cancerous or not, and determine further treatment.

Because of the location, Pepper needs to see a specialty surgeon. They have quoted me $3,000-$5,000 for the surgery, plus an additional $1,500 for a CT scan. Pepper is a happy and otherwise healthy 4 year old who should have plenty of good years ahead of her. I'm asking for help to get her back to health, because I can't do this on my own. I have appreciated the support, both physical and emotional, of so many of you this last year as I recover from such a significant life event. I know that times are very hard so I appreciate anything that you are willing to give to this cause, and I will make certain to pay it forward in whatever ways I can.

Sending love and gratitude, Vi