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Steve and Malia Kitty Emergency

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If you're reading this, chances are you know Steve Downing, and I don't need to tell you what a wonderful, funny, kind, generous person he is. It's kind of impossible not to love him. He brightens the days of hundreds of Facebook friends (and probably thousand more by sharing) with his humor and compassion in spite of suffering from ME/CFS, a chronic, debilitating and vastly misunderstood disease with no real treatment or cure. Steve is a soft-hearted animal lover - and it's mutual - visiting raccoons even let him pet them! About a year ago, even with his sorely limited energy levels, he rescued a pregnant stray cat who'd wandered into his yard. By the time the kittens had been adopted out, Steve had fallen in love with mama Malia, so she became part of his family.  Although he rarely complains, Steve has been having an incredibly rough time lately with his illness, and to top things off, he came down with a horrible stomach flu last week. While he was sick, Malia also became very ill. Steve's roommate got her to the vet and found out she is anemic, has FIV, was dehydrated and had low blood-pressure, among other things. She did not bounce back from fluids, antibiotics, and oxygen. The next course of action was a blood transfusion, and it turned out she has a rare blood type; none could be found any closer than a two-hour drive from his home. Steve's own health care is prohibitively expensive and none of the things that help him would be covered by insurance, even if he had any. Even so, Steve couldn't bear to lose his sweet baby girl. His roommate drove her to LA for the transfusion. She is not out of the woods yet, and Steve's own health has taken yet another gut-punch from the stress and anguish of Malia's crisis. Steve deserves our help. He brings so much joy to so many on a daily basis and never asks for help in spite of the constant financial struggle his health has put him in. I adore Steve. I want to help him and his sweet kitty girl, and I know I'm not alone. He won't ask for himself, so I'm asking on his behalf. Literally any amount you can give financially is deeply appreciated, as are all good wishes, mojo & juju, love, light, prayers, and kind thoughts. Please help me help Steve and Malia!

Note:  The goal is set in anticipation of veterinary bills beyond what has already been accumulated. We don't know where they will end. We do know, however, that Steve's medical expenses are pretty much endless, so any donations in excess of what is needed for kitty will go Steve's ongoing expenses related to his illness.  THANK YOU, in advance, for whatever you can do.
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Donations 

  • Kristin Holliday
    • $60 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Solveig Saether
Organizer
Costa Mesa, CA
Steve Downing
Beneficiary
Raised $595 from 6 donations

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