Werm's Painful Journey: Your Help is Needed

I am reaching out to friend's and family for help with medical expenses for my kitten, Werm. My birthday is May 13th, so consider it a birthday present if you are willing to donate.

Werm was born with agenesis of her upper eyelids which has resulted in significant impairment to her vision and quality of life. She has seen many doctors for this condition, including a veterinary Ophthalmologist at my school. Recently, after three rounds of cryotherapy surgery on her eyelids to get rid of the eyelashes that were in her eyes we determined that she will need a different kind of surgery.

Yesterday we did a tear production test, which we hadn't done before, which read 0. This means that she is not producing any tears, which is painful and will later lead to ulceration and potential blindness. While in the mean time I can apply lubricant in her eyes every two hours it is not a long term solution.

Per the veterinarian's recommendation I have two options. Either do an eye sparing surgery called a Parotid Duct Translocation where they use a salivary gland to lubricate her eyes or do a double enucleation and remove her eyes.

I have insurance on my animals for exactly this reason, but due to the condition being a pre-existing condition as it was noted prior to the waiting period ending it will not be covered by insurance and thus I need to pay out of pocket. While veterinary care on the island is cheaper in the US, I am living on loans and a student budget and do not have additional money to spend for the surgery as I have spent over $1500 on expenses up to this point on trying to fix her eyes with follow ups and the previous surgeries.

I hate to ask for help, but I'm asking for donations towards the surgery so that she can live pain free. Currently we are trying to figure out which surgery would be best to do. Every little bit helps, no matter how small.

Thank you for considering, love Catherine