Please Help Noir Get A Pacemaker to Survive

Hi, My name is Chris Fleming. I am raising money to save my cat's life NOIR as he needs a pacemaker to live. This was the only option left besides being euthanized. The medications he has been on (Terbutaline, then Theophylline) since April last year, are no longer working and his collapses, due to his heart-stopping, have increased to over 20 times a day, becoming painful and heartbreaking to witness.

He is a wonderful, friendly, and loving Black Maine Coon cat that I rescued in Las Vegas from the streets in 2008. He was homeless, so I flew him home and gave him a loving home. He came into my life at a miraculous time as I had previously put my other cat Tigger to sleep due to paralysis.

From the minute I opened his travel cage in my house he followed me everywhere and always been by my side. Every day, all day while I work, eat, cook, etc. He is my buddy. He greets everyone that comes to my home, clients, friends, family, etc. He was there for me when my father passed, my relationships ended, and I went through physical and mental pain from my car accident. Even when I questioned life itself. Because he has always been by my side, been there for me - I know I must also be by his side and fight for him as well. It's what family, and friends do!

Noir suffers from heart arrhythmias. He has Syncope episodes where the electrical impulses stop being sent to his heart and he collapses due to the heart pausing greater than 10-14 seconds. This causes his heart to stop, shutting off all blood flow. Over time this has caused the heart to enlarge as well. If he doesn't get a pacemaker now, he has to be put to sleep. If I leave him be, he could have a painful death. Why don't I end his suffering? He is not ready to go, as he still is affectionate, eats his food, brings me his mouse toy, cries for affection, and sits by my side. Yet, lately, due to his collapses, he has been hiding in discomfort. The cardiologist said this would change if his heart functions properly with a pacemaker. His behavior would recover. He cannot continue without a pacemaker. However, in spending days finding the least expensive procedure. The surgical procedure alone costs $7,000-$9,000. Along with cardiology follow-ups and medications to follow (no idea what those will cost).

I made a choice, and so did he. Noir is not ready to go and I am not ready to give up on him. When someone is there for us our whole life, we owe it to them to be there for them when in need. My father taught me that. Love has challenges, but we are here to create, express and contribute and in doing so our soul experiences. Animals have souls and consciousness just like we do. The creator is inside all of us. I have learned that. So I took a risk financially to put him in the hands of the University of Illinois Vet Med in Urbana, Ilinois. Dropping him off yesterday for his procedure. I don't know how I am going to be able to pay for this due to the medical bills from last year for my cats, which I paid off two months ago with every penny I have made from my hard work selling artwork, events, etc. I am tapped out.

On a side note, In June of this year, I was admitted into the emergency at Northwestern Medicine Hospital in Huntley, IL for 5 days hospital due to a horrific bacterial infection that attacked my central nervous system and organs. Originally they thought I had kidney failure. The first 2 days I don't remember much, but I do remember fighting to want to live the third day. I thought of my cats needing me and all the people I have yet to meet and things to do. It was an awakening moment.

Looking into my cat's eyes a few days ago, tears running down my face, with uncertainty, I asked him if he wants to live or go home. He cried and bumped my head in affection. I felt him say "NO!" With this, I believe he wants to fight as well, even though I can't afford it. I have to give him that chance. He deserves it for being there with me all these years. I spent 5 years by my father's bedside at Claremont Center in Buffalo Grove as his body deteriorated. Sharing moments, stories, and being present. Those years were some of the best I had with my dad. Because it was a show of love from both of us. These experiences have taught me not to give up.

I understand things aren't easy for many of us. Work is down, things are expensive and financial misfortunes happen frequently. Since March of last year, I have spent over $10,000+ on medical bills, procedures, medications, etc for Noir and my other two cats that also had medical issues last year. As well as my own medical costs not covered by insurance that goes above and beyond the $10K pet vet/medical costs. When they say problems come in threes, they aren't kidding. Within a span of three months, all three cats had major issues. Sweden (white Persian) had fluid build up in her lungs and collapses of a sinus cavity and had to be taken to UW Madison Veterinary Care, Noel had stomach issues due to ingestion of a foreign substance, and of course NOIR with his heart issues. He had been taken to my vet, VSC in downers grove, Illinois, and then UW Madison Veterinary Care for neurological testing. He was diagnosed by a cardiologist with heart arrhythmia and Syncope. The combination of all three cats and multiple issues set me back financially, but I worked hard, sold what I could, and paid off the bills and other expenses I had accumulated recently. This is why you see me doing as many events and artwork/prints as I can.

With this current medical procedure for NOIR, I am right back where I started and exhausted emotionally and physically. But, I have to fight for him and give him a chance. So I need your help, but ONLY if you are able. I don't want anyone to put themself in a financial situation due to the challenge I have here. If you can contribute, I know Noir and I will be truly grateful.

If you have followed me on Instagram (mostly) and social media, you have seen my posts regarding Noir, his situation since last March, and my other cats. You have seen much they mean to me.

Thank you for listening in this time of distress, if you cannot donate - then by all means, please share. Every little bit helps.

-Chris Fleming