Gracie is a 4 year old Ragamuffin in Elk Grove, CA, who needs $15,000 for Thoracic Duct Ligation.

Gracie was adopted from the animal shelter in 2021. I actually went to the shelter to look at a cat for my mom. My mom didn't end up adopting one, but I found the perfect little girl. She is currently living with one other cat. He's our big boy named Duke. He is 12 years old.

In January, two months ago, we noticed Gracie was breathing differently than normal. We took her to a nearby vet. They told us she had fluid in her chest and that we should think about putting her down. For me that wasn't an option. We decided to transfer her to Marqueen Pet Emergency & Specialty where after much testing she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Chylothorax.

We have always said Gracie only likes us because she runs when others visit. She's a skittish kitty who doesn't respond well to any kind of change. She adores both of my boys, and especially loves to sleep with my oldest son. She's sweet, shy, funny, and really smart. She loves to play (when she's breathing okay). Her favorite toys are string and these small nerf balls that my boys have.

We were unprepared financially for Chylothorax. Gracie has needed eight chest taps so far, and we have spent over $10k on credit cards and she still needs a $15k surgery. My husband and I are both teachers with two boys in college living at home. Gracie is our family.