Hi, I’m Gabrielle Sikora, and my rescue work in Brighton Heights began with what’s now known as the Mt. Hope Colony (August 2025).

What started as a small favor — helping address “a few cats” on Mt. Hope Street — quickly turned into something much bigger. After walking the area, speaking with neighbors, and monitoring the colony, I realized there were far more cats than anyone initially thought. The population was growing, several were visibly sick or injured, and without intervention, the cycle would continue.

Instead of walking away, I committed to solving it the right way: through humane trap-neuter-return (TNR).

I began trapping, transporting, coordinating vet care, and monitoring the colony myself.

One by one, the cats were fixed, vaccinated and either safely returned or placed into rescue if they were friendly enough for indoor life.

The Mt. Hope Colony is now stabilized.

That project became the foundation for something larger. As neighbors saw the impact, more people began reaching out about cats in other parts of Brighton Heights. What began as one colony has expanded into a neighborhood-wide effort.

To date, I have trapped and fixed 53 cats.

Of those:

-25 have gone to a shelter, been adopted, or are currently in foster care waiting for their forever homes.

-The remaining cats were responsibly TNR’d and are now part of managed, monitored colonies.

I’m proud to share that I was recently selected as an official city trapper (just a title; no compensation), which allows me to access significantly reduced-cost spay and neuter services. Because of this designation, just $30 can now help cover a spay or neuter — meaning your donation stretches further and directly prevents future litters.

I document my work through my personal Facebook and here on GoFundMe to remain fully transparent about how funds are used and the outcome of each cat.

While I may be the “face” of this mission, this work has truly been a community effort. So many people have stepped up along the way — through donations, transportation, monitoring traps, sharing posts, and offering support. This impact belongs to all of us.

This effort isn’t just about cats — it’s about creating a humane, long-term solution for Brighton Heights. TNR stops suffering before it starts and prevents future litters from being born into hardship.

With continued support, I can keep responding to new colonies, prevent overpopulation, and give more cats the chance at either a safer outdoor life or a loving indoor home.

With gratitude,

Gabrielle Sikora

Brighton Heights, Pittsburgh