Help Maui Fight Mammary Cancer

Maui has always been a survivor, but now she’s facing a battle she can’t win alone.

Hello, my name is Justine, and I’ve been blessed to share my life with my beloved kitty, Maui, for the past eight years. She’s not just a pet but a cherished member of our family. She has two adoptive brothers—Kiska, 15, and Sado, 4—who adore her. Maui is the heart of our little family. She is the leader and motherly figure to her brothers, the one who curls up beside me when I’m feeling down, her soft purrs a constant comfort.

I adopted Maui and Kiska from Priceless Pets Rescue in 2017. At the time, Maui had been rescued from a hoarder’s home while pregnant. Because she was only three years old, the shelter believed she had a high chance of being adopted. Her kittens quickly found loving homes, but Maui’s journey took a heartbreaking turn. She was initially adopted by a college student who, unfortunately, didn’t tell his parents. When his father’s allergies forced him to return her, Maui shut down. She stopped seeking attention, retreating to the back of her enclosure, barely eating, barely moving—like she had given up hope.

I started volunteering at Priceless Pets after the devastating loss of another beloved pet, hoping to heal while helping animals in need. That’s when I met Maui. She was curled up in a tiny ball, her body tense, her eyes dull. She wasn’t just shy—she was broken. But when I spoke to her softly and reached out my hand, something changed. The other volunteers noticed—she perked up only for me. I was the only one she allowed to pet her without protest. It felt like she chose me.

Soon after, I brought Maui and Kiska home to foster with the intent to adopt—though my dad was less than thrilled to learn that my mom and I had planned to bring home two cats instead of one. Our argument? “Kitties are like potato chips—you can’t just have one.” It didn’t take long for Maui to blossom in our home. She found her favorite sunny spots, learned the joy of chasing a ribbon toy across the floor, and slowly, day by day, rediscovered her trust in people.

Even though she endured so much hardship, Maui has always been the caretaker of our family. She grooms her brothers, keeps them in line, and offers her quiet companionship when we need it most. She’s not just a pet—she’s the glue that holds us together.

Now, Maui is facing her biggest challenge yet. She was recently diagnosed with mammary cancer, an aggressive disease that requires urgent treatment. She has already undergone her first surgery to remove the tumor and her left mammary glands and spent multiple days in hospital care recovering. The surgery was just the beginning—she still needs follow-up care, additional treatments, and ongoing monitoring to give her the best chance at a full recovery.

The cost of her medical care is overwhelming, but I refuse to give up on her. Any amount, no matter how small, will go directly toward Maui’s continued treatment. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing her story—every share helps bring us closer to her care.