Violet is a 1-year-old Domestic Shorthair Cat in Fort Lee, NJ, who needs $2,000 for Meningitis with Brainstem Abscessation.

Violet just celebrated her first birthday along with her sister, Lucy. We found her one year ago in our yard along with her four other siblings. Our outdoor cat and our neighbor's outdoor cat decided to get together and bring us this bundle of joy (they've since been spayed/neutered). Because of our intense love for our outdoor cats, I knew these little guys needed to be saved.

After sending them to the shelter for proper care and immunizations, I adopted Violet and her sister, Lucy (both named after Peanuts characters). They are best friends and, although have their moments of sibling rivalry (like fighting over the empty Amazon box) can't stand to be apart. They are lost without each other.

Violet is an energetic playful kitty. She was the smallest of her litter but what she doesn't have in size, she makes up for in spirit. She loves food and is not bashful to meow until she gets her chow. She'll stand on her hind legs with her front paws on my thigh as I'm getting it ready. She loves company and she touches everyone with her charismatic personality.

Last week, Violet was diagnosed with meningitis and an abscess on her brain stem. The abscess is too close to the brain to drain. She will need antibiotics and steroids for quite some time and may need surgery to remove the abscess. Although not uncommon in cats, it is uncommon in a cat her age. I wanted to give her the opportunity to thrive, as she has her whole life ahead of her.

I thought I had time to purchase pet insurance. I never in a million years thought something like this would happen so soon. I was not prepared yet thankful I am the one who adopted her. It's heartbreaking to think someone else may not have given her a chance of survival.