Marisol and I are looking for help!

I don't know if this is the right place to post this, but my very first cat, Marisol, has been diagnosed with a grapefruit-sized tumor.  We are undergoing a CT tomorrow to determine if surgery is an appropriate treatment. The CT alone will cost approximately $1400, and the surgery and CT together will be approximately $5,000.  My RDVM and the oncology specialist both said this was one of the strangest cases they have ever seen. No one can figure out where it is coming from! These next steps are the only ways to know more.

I have started a GiveForward drive for her. If anyone would be willing to share the drive on their Facebook and Twitter pages so that people might give just a few dollars to help, Marisol and I will be eternally grateful. 

I'm sorry if I'm not supposed to post this; I'm new and seeking help in any way I can find it.  Thank you all!

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/5lx2/marisol-needs-you

Welcome to TCS. I'm sorry you and your kitty are going through this. Yes, you are allowed one post in the S.O.S. forum asking for monetary help. I've moved your thread to S.O.S for you.

The following notice is posted on all Pleas for Money and is not aimed at you personally.

From the Mod Team Regarding Pleas for money:


Cats are a huge responsibility. Anyone who thinks otherwise, should not have one in their life. They are dependent on us for everything from providing a place to eat, to also providing vet care.

Anyone who has cats knows that they can and do get ill. Your best defense is to plan for that to happen before it does, and store monies away in preparation.

If you read about a plight of an animal on the internet and your heart is drawn to help. Check out the story thoroughly. Google the vet's name or call Directory Assistance in the city and be sure this is a legitimate claim.

Do not blindly send money into a paypal account no matter how heart-wrenching the story. Instead reach out to the member and ask for the vet's name and phone number, and arrange to send the money there for the specific needs of the cat in question.

If that information cannot be provided- you have your answer. Report the post to a moderator so that it can be removed for not being on the level.

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I understand that completely, appreciate your gentle handling, and appreciate the allowance of one post.   I wish everyone in this S.O.S. forum the very best treatment, luck, and grace.   Thank you all, and lots of love. 
 

have you considered applying for Care Credit? It's like a credit card used for doctors, including vets (as long as they accept them). Depends on the amount, it's interest free for a certain amount of months. It may help you in the long run too

Draco said:

have you considered applying for Care Credit? It's like a credit card used for doctors, including vets (as long as they accept them). Depends on the amount, it's interest free for a certain amount of months. It may help you in the long run too

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I second this idea. I'd also discuss a payment plan with your vet, who it sounds like you have a good relationship with.  If you've had the cat 11 years and been going to this vet for all or most of that  time, I think chances they'd refuse you a reasonable payment plan are pretty slim (note that when I say reasonable though I mean reasonable for them as well as you- you are going to have to put as much as you can down, either through care credit or by some other means).

I think these two options more realistic than expecting people on the internet to help, especially because she's so old. Unfortunately in this country cats are generally valued less than dogs, and even a lot of people who are true cat people will either 1) be saving money in case their own cat gets sick and not feel they have enough extra to throw at a random cat (after all, there are hundreds of pages like yours and even if people want to give it is impossible to choose between them) or 2) look at her age and how long you've had her and wonder why you haven't saved money over this time yourself.

I apologize if this sounds callous in any way.  I wish you and Marisol the best.

ETA: If possible I'd also put a better picture of her up on the donation site.  The one you have is blurry and (while cute) you can't see her face which, were I able/inclined to give, might put me off.

I totally agree about needing a better picture on the GiveForward site!  Honestly, I couldn't even tell what that was a picture of .  But if you had a picture like i your first post here, of her sitting on your bed, (in focus), that would be much better. 

Also agree with discussing a payment plan with your Vet, but if this is such a strange case for them, then they should be paying YOU, as it is a learning experience for them .  Not trying to make light of this situation, but maybe a Vet school nearby (if there IS one) would be willing to take this on AS a learning experience for less money?  Or even another Vet?  Prices seem to really fluctuate between Vets.

Best of luck on this quest for help .  Keep us posted on what happens.