Help Leo Get Better

[SHORTENED VERSION AT THE BOTTOM]

Hi. I am starting this fundraiser in hopes to help Leo live the best life he can, as he has not been doing that lately. Here's what happened:

One night back in June, I noticed that Leo had just begun dragging his back leg across the floor on his way to hide under my bed. I was very alarmed and rushed under there to pull him out. I immediately drove him to the emergency room where I was told he had a stroke and needed to be put down immediately.

After freaking out for a good bit I began searching for alternatives as I was not going to give up on him that easily.

The only other option was to take Leo to the emergency room at The University of Pennsylvania in Philly, where I learned that he had been misdiagnosed and had a fighting chance after all.

Leo suffered from an aortic thromboembolism. Google can explain that better than I can so:

"An aortic thromboembolism results when a blood clot is dislodged and travels through the aorta, becoming lodged in a distant location. This causes severely reduced blood flow to the tissues receiving blood from that particular part of the aorta, leading to decreased oxygen in the tissues."

This caused him tremendous pain and both of his back legs to become paralyzed.

Leo was in pain the entire 1 hour and 45 minute car ride down to Philly. He was hyperventilating and crying very loudly. His prognosis was 50/50 and I decided to go ahead with the treatment. I know it is what he would want. Leo was in the hospital for almost a week straight but he made it out. Most cats that experience this, die in the hospital. I did not go to work that week and stayed in Philly with him, paying for hotels every night. As you can imagine, it began to get very costly.

When Leo left the hospital he left with a ton of new medication and the possibility of never gaining use of his back legs again. But again Leo pulled through. Little by little, over the course of weeks, he began to gain movement in his legs. He can now pretty much use them fully with the occasional exception of his right toes.

Leo has had numerous vet visits since and has had more medication added to his regimen

He was doing good for a while but we have since been told that based on his behavior lately, he should see a vet that specializes in internal medicine. Leo has been so strong this entire way and I don't want him to stop having the fighting chance he deserves. But the costs are inevitably racking up. Which is why I am starting this fund raiser.

The amount I set the goal to is a sliver of what the costs have been so far but it would help greatly. Anything is so appreciated and I thank you deeply for the support.

-Gaspare

TL;DR: Leo suffered a very painful and traumatic experience and became paralyzed for a while. He was hospitalized for a week and now needs to see a specialized doctor. The week of his hospitalization I was unable to work due to having to remain with him in Philly. I have been taking him to numerous vet appointments, paying for medication and along with new diet restrictions. Now, the next part of his care is also proving to be very expensive. Leo has fought and pulled through countless times. I know that he would keep fighting if he was given the resources. I wont give up on him until I know it's what he would want. It's just, things are getting costly and we could use a little help. In reality, I don't have a particular goal in mind because any bit helps. We greatly appreciate all your support, even if it's just sending your regards. Thank you