Help Luna, Bombay: Necrotic Cancer

 Yesterday, we took our beloved Bombaii, Luna Tinkerbell to the vet to get a bump checked out that had become an open wound that required veterinarian attention. During that appointment we were informed that Luna's bump is a Necrotic Cancerous Tumor that requires surgical removal as soon as possible. The vet wants to remove the tumor as soon as Monday, but understands that at present we don't have the funds to pay for the surgery or associated costs.  The money will pay for a Histopathy (biopsy), X-rays, blood tests, radiographs, feline sedation, various injections, actual tumor removal, the surgery room fee, as well as any take-home medications for Luna.  Luna (an 11 yr 2 mos old European Bombaii) entered our lives 11 years ago next month (September) ago as an 8-week old kitten when we rescued her from the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington, Conn. Luna was the only kitten there; and she was there because she's a black cat, ignored because of superstitions surrounding black cats. We were happy to sit with her. We could see Luna was sweet, social, vocal, cuddly, and interested in us. Luna's the same way all this time later. Luna made a connection right away with Grace, our middle daughter, who at the time was nearing 4 years old. When we brought Luna home, she would go to Grace any time she cried or became upset (and still does) but most notably, Luna brought Grace out of her shell. Luna helped Grace start speaking again.  Luna is loved by all five of us as much as a cherished child, as much a part of the family as anyone else. Luna "talks" to us and has conversations with us. Luna makes particular sounds to indicate what she wants or "thinks" and she makes us laugh: "Not now!" "No!" "Mama!" "Right now! Luna even has specific sounds she makes for what we figured out are names for each of the girls, and a generic sound for all of them. They're all "Merrrow," while Julie is "Rrrerow." Anneliese is "Rrremow," and Grace is one I can't mimic, but it's similar. This cat isn't just a cat. Luna is family. We would be so incredibly grateful for anything you feel in your heart that you could donate to help us get closer to Luna's surgery. The vet believes that she has an excellent chance of survival. Her lungs appear clear based on the fact that she's not coughing. Luna's tumor, the width of a silver dollar and about an inch thick, is NOT attached to bone or muscle; Luna's tumor is on the skin tissue, moving around free from other tissue. Her appetite is still good, although Luna has lost three pounds since her last well-pet visit a year ago. Luna's still social and sweet, apart from letting me help clean her tumor.  Luna's best chance is surgery. There would be such a hole in our family if Luna weren't here, and I don't ever want to see her in pain. I would do anything to keep that from happening.  Please help us save Luna. We would appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. Love, Jessica, Manny, Julie, Grace, Anneliese and of course Luna