Help Connie Survive FIP

Our 4 year old cat, Connie, was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) on August 2nd, 2023. FIP is an extremely dangerous and usually lethal virus that causes fluid to build up in a cat's abdomen and chest eventually leading to death (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-infectious-peritonitis). However, a medication recently became available that treats the virus and has thus far been shown to work in the majority of cats with FIP who receive the treatment.

While Connie's medical provider recommended that we explore this treatment given its high success rate, the cost is a major barrier. The full course of treatment is 82 days which costs approximately $8,000 total. This amount does not include the monthly bloodwork Connie will need while on the medication. Without the treatment, Connie will pass away within a few weeks as she already has fluid accumulating in her abdomen.

I recently had to resign from my job due to my own medical crisis/disability and am currently unemployed. Additionally, our family is paying medical bills related to further health issues. In short, there was simply no way to afford Connie's treatment, and we were preparing to help her die as peacefully as possible.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of a friend (who wasn't even aware of the cost barrier or medication), we were able to purchase the first two weeks of the medication! This is important because we should know whether Connie will respond to treatment within that first two weeks. However, the remainder of her treatment is still in jeopardy as we do not have sufficient income for even all of our living expenses at the moment.

I **hate** asking for money. There are a bajillion other causes on GoFundMe that are worthy of donation. However, since we were able to receive the first two weeks of medication, I'm desperate enough to get this fundraiser going so we can continue her treatment and save her life. This is especially important to me since Connie is my 13-year-old daughter's cat, and she already lost Connie's sibling to FIP three years ago.

If you are able to donate, I thank you from the bottom of my heart (and so does Connie)! I will post updates and pictures as I'm able to show her progress throughout treatment. Thank you again!