"I’m safe in the dark because I carry the light."

​My name is Hillary Kevilus. I am a Certified Avian Specialist, a former firefighter/EMT, and a devoted bird mom.

​On February 8, 2026, my life was turned upside down. I was fired from my position as Manager at a sanctuary and given 27 days to vacate my home.

​The Reason? I spoke up.

I authored a whistleblower report detailing negligence and mismanagement that threatened the animals I was hired to protect. In the fire service, we live by a simple code: You don't leave the vulnerable behind just because the situation gets hot. When I transitioned from fighting fires to rescuing exotic birds, that code didn't change. I saw suffering, and I sounded the alarm.

​The response was termination and eviction.

​The Mission: Fiona's Heart

They may have taken my job and my home, but they cannot take my mission. I am turning this crisis into a new beginning. I am launching Fiona's Heart Avian Sanctuary—named after my beloved Goffin's Cockatoo, Fiona, who passed away this January. She taught me that even the smallest hearts deserve the biggest protection. I am building this for her, and for every bird that needs a voice.

​But first, I have to survive the next 27 days.

​The Crisis

I have 0 income and less than a month to move myself, my daughter, her cat and my personal flock of birds to safety. I have found a potential property in Beloit that could be the future home of Fiona's Heart, but I cannot get there without help.

​I am asking for your help to raise the funds to secure the future of Fiona's Heart Avian Sanctuary Inc.

​Your support will fund:

​Securing Housing: A lease deposit or down payment for a safe home for me and my birds.

​Moving Logistics: Transporting my flock and equipment before the eviction deadline.

​Legal Defense: Retaining counsel to fight the wrongful termination and protect my rights as a whistleblower.

​Startup Costs: Filing fees to legally register Fiona's Heart so I can begin saving more lives.

​I am used to running into burning buildings to save others. Today, I am asking you to help me save myself so I can get back to saving birds.

​With your help, I can turn this crisis into a new beginning—not just for me, but for every bird who needs a safe haven.