Nora - kitten found on I-4 with degloved jaw

Thank you for your interest in helping out Nora. She is a 4-week old, black kitten found by good Samaritans on I-4 in Maitland. Due to my volunteer efforts in dog rescue, my friend Shannon (one of the lovely ladies who saved her) called and asked for my help. She was bleeding from her mouth and seemed to be in shock. As I waited in my driveway to do a kitten handoff, I called my regular vet's office to let them know I had an emergency. Unfortunately, they were already handling a crisis situation and both doctors were in surgery. I called about 7 other local vets and none were able to see her today.

So, off to Veterinary Emergency Clinic we went. They got her right in and after an examination by the doctor, determined she is about 4 weeks old, 1.3 lbs., no microchip (yeah, I had them check) and due to an unknown trauma (hit by car, thrown from car, fell from car/trailer) her entire bottom jaw is degloved, which means the tissue holding her chin to the mandible has detached. She is also bleeding from her rectum.

Her care plan includes blood work, x-rays, anesthesia, surgery to re-attach the skin to the mandible, exploratory exam to ensure no internal injuries, antibiotics, and pain meds. As you can imagine, this is not cheap, but she is so worth it. She is absolutely the sweetest little girl despite what she's been through and how she is feeling. She deserves a chance.

Now for something I never do.....I'm asking for help. The estimate for her care today at VEC is between $1,608.00 and $1,819.05. I did not have time to reach out to rescues to see if anybody would take her in so Shannon and I have taken financial responsibility for this baby. I've already placed the deposit in order to get her treatment started and will pay the balance when I pick her up tonight. I also have scheduled a follow-up visit (per VEC requirements) for her with my regular vet tomorrow. And, since I have not had a cat in my household for many years, I had to go buy items in order to make her comfortable during recovery.

Please consider helping me out, if you're so compelled. No amount is too small. I know times are tough (I'm currently unemployed, so I really do know), but couldn't bear the thought of this little girl not getting the care she needed since she had such a will to live (survived not getting squished on I-4). Let's show Nora that black cats aren't bad luck!! I'm so glad she crossed my path!! Thank you!