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*HelpSaveCharlieTheCat

Beveled Asterisk
HelpSaveCharlieTheCat
HelpSaveCharlieTheCat

Fundraising for

Dana Holsten

Fundraising forDana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Dana Holsten

ST. Louis, Missouri

$1,140of $10,000 goal
14
Donors
7
Comments
16Share Arrow
Shares
Donation protected
👍 0% fee

My sweet 4-year-old Ragdoll cat, Charlie, (a Seal Mitted) has been through so much in such a short time, and I’m reaching out for help to give him the chance he deserves.

Back in July 2025, Charlie underwent emergency surgery for an intussusception (a dangerous intestinal condition). Thankfully, he recovered beautifully and has been doing well—until suddenly this past Wednesday, when he stopped eating and became very lethargic.

Rushing him to the ER was heart-wrenching. Charlie was severely dehydrated, leading to a battery of tests, including X-rays, bloodwork, and ultrasounds. In just 24 hours, the medical bills soared to nearly $4,000. Insurance can only cover so much, and we're now faced with an enormous financial challenge.

Unfortunately, the ultrasound was inconclusive. Charlie’s condition worsened—his blood pressure dropped, his temperature fell, and he had to be put on fluids, antibiotics, pain meds, and blood pressure support. Because I couldn’t afford to keep him in the ER hospital, I transferred him to a specialty ICU clinic where he is now being cared for by an internist.

Despite being transferred to a more affordable specialty care and ICU clinic, Charlie's bills from yesterday through Monday will still reach $3,712, not accounting for potential further diagnostics. He's on a cocktail of medications—antibiotics, fluids, pain meds, and blood pressure medication after his vitals dangerously fluctuated. Depending on what they find, costs could rise further.

Right now, all his test results aren’t clear enough to confirm a diagnosis. The good news is that another intussusception has been ruled out. The  Not knowing what’s wrong—and whether he can be treated—is breaking my heart.

Charlie is only four years old. He is the sweetest, most gentle boy, and he deserves the chance to live a happy, healthy life. I am doing everything I can for him, but I cannot do it alone.

Our hearts ache to see Charlie in distress and our resources are stretched thin. We need your help to give Charlie the comprehensive care he deserves. Your generous contribution will directly impact his recovery, allowing us to pursue the critical diagnostics and treatments he urgently needs.

If you are able, please consider helping me cover Charlie’s medical costs so he can continue receiving the care he desperately needs. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this page means the world.

If you donate and the money is not needed it WILL be returned to you!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me fight for Charlie. 💙

Fundraiser Updates (5)

October 12, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Update 10/12/25



30 days ago, I was terrified I might lose him. Charlie was in the ICU, fragile and fading… but today, he’s 30 days into treatment and showing us what true strength looks like. 💔💪🏼

My heart is full of hope, love, and deep gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for him, checked in, and lifted us up — especially the amazing community at FIP Warriors® 5.0 on Facebook. You’ve given us the knowledge and hope we desperately needed.

I love this boy more than words can say. 💙
#FIPWarrior #CharlieStrong #MyHeartInFur #FIPAwareness #RagdollLove

September 25, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

AS of 9/25/25 2:42pm - Update on Charlie 💙🐾

It’s been three days since I brought Charlie home from the ICU, and I’m so grateful to share that he’s showing little signs of improvement each day. He’s been eating well and even started coming to my bed in the mornings to lick my forehead—something he used to do before he got sick. Seeing that part of his personality return means so much.

Charlie is still resting a lot, but he enjoys looking out the window and soaking in the calm, quiet environment at home—just what he needs right now. His spirits seem brighter, which gives me so much hope. I’m keeping a close eye on his digestion since the FIP medication needs to be absorbed properly, but overall I’m encouraged by his progress.

Even though I wish I could be home with him all day, I’m comforted knowing he has a peaceful space to heal. Thank you so much for all of your continued love, prayers, and support—it truly means the world to both of us as we fight for Charlie’s recovery. 💕

September 21, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Update: He’s Home! ❤️🐾

Sunday, September 21,2025 4:11 pm

We’re so relieved and incredibly grateful to share that our sweet boy is finally home after spending a full week in the ICU. It’s been an exhausting and emotional time — he was admitted last Wednesday night (9/10/25) and for a while, we weren’t sure he’d pull through. But thanks to the amazing veterinary team, your support, and his fighting spirit, he made it.

He’s not out of the woods yet. We’re cautiously optimistic, taking things one day at a time. While we still don’t have confirmation, we’ve started treatment for suspected FIP (which runs for about 84 days). It’s a long road ahead, and honestly, it’s nerve-wracking. There are still many unknowns. But for now, he’s resting, eating a little, and slowly showing signs of his old self again.

We can’t thank you enough for your donations, kind words, and encouragement. Your support is what’s making this possible — giving him a chance to fight, and us the strength to keep going. 💛

Please keep him in your thoughts as we begin this next phase of his recovery. I’ll continue to share updates as we go.

With love and gratitude,

Dana & Charlie 💙

September 20, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Charlie ICU Update 🐾💛

as of 9/20/25 9:22 am

Dear friends,

I wanted to send a heartfelt update and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible kindness and support during this difficult time. Charlie has been in the ICU all week, and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster. After a really tough night Thursday—he tore out his IV and had to have a new one placed in his neck—we finally saw a small but meaningful breakthrough yesterday: he ate on his own twice and has been holding his temperature and blood pressure.

These little victories mean everything right now. Your generosity, love, and prayers have been a lifeline—for both of us. I truly believe the energy and care you've sent are helping him keep fighting.

Please continue to keep Charlie in your thoughts and prayers. We’re taking it day by day, but your support gives us so much hope.

With endless gratitude,
Dana & Charlie 🐾💛

September 17, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Update 9/16/25 as of 5:35 pm

No test results yet.  Not any significant improvements but not worse either.  Protein levels increased today.  Temp was down again today.  His hydration levels have normalized.  He is getting the FIP medication still until we rule it out. Doc said today that he DID finally poop.  Which is good sine that’s what set this off last week.  I think that’s why he looked in better spirits this morning.  Still having trouble eating on his own but they said that he DID eat last night around midnight. Even with the feeding tube in; seems odd to me that they expect a cat to want to eat with something stuffed in their nose.   So all things considered from where we were last Wednesday, I will take it.  The fluid in his chest and abdomen has not increased AND they did NOT have to do the thoracentesis procedure. Said his respiratory rate has been mostly normal the last couple days.  I just love on him as hard as I can talk to him and I take his tent, cardboard bowel and a couple of things with me every day that has my scent on it.  I’ve been taking shirts ive slept in, some of blanks around the house so that he gets some parts of home with him each day. Today I took my grooming wipes with me and two brushes and he let me wipe and brush him for a solid half hour.  I miss my morning biscuit maker and forehead exfoliation sessions so much it physically makes my heart 💜 hurt in my chest.  

Karley Canova

Karley Canova

$100 • Recent donation

Anonymous

Anonymous

$350 • Top donation

Anonymous

Anonymous

$50 • First donation

Organizer

Dana Holsten

Dana Holsten is the organizer of this fundraiser

Beveled Asterisk
HelpSaveCharlieTheCat
HelpSaveCharlieTheCat
Dana Holsten

Dana Holsten

ST. Louis, Missouri

Fundraising for

Dana Holsten

Fundraising forDana Holsten
Donation protected
👍 0% fee

My sweet 4-year-old Ragdoll cat, Charlie, (a Seal Mitted) has been through so much in such a short time, and I’m reaching out for help to give him the chance he deserves.

Back in July 2025, Charlie underwent emergency surgery for an intussusception (a dangerous intestinal condition). Thankfully, he recovered beautifully and has been doing well—until suddenly this past Wednesday, when he stopped eating and became very lethargic.

Rushing him to the ER was heart-wrenching. Charlie was severely dehydrated, leading to a battery of tests, including X-rays, bloodwork, and ultrasounds. In just 24 hours, the medical bills soared to nearly $4,000. Insurance can only cover so much, and we're now faced with an enormous financial challenge.

Unfortunately, the ultrasound was inconclusive. Charlie’s condition worsened—his blood pressure dropped, his temperature fell, and he had to be put on fluids, antibiotics, pain meds, and blood pressure support. Because I couldn’t afford to keep him in the ER hospital, I transferred him to a specialty ICU clinic where he is now being cared for by an internist.

Despite being transferred to a more affordable specialty care and ICU clinic, Charlie's bills from yesterday through Monday will still reach $3,712, not accounting for potential further diagnostics. He's on a cocktail of medications—antibiotics, fluids, pain meds, and blood pressure medication after his vitals dangerously fluctuated. Depending on what they find, costs could rise further.

Right now, all his test results aren’t clear enough to confirm a diagnosis. The good news is that another intussusception has been ruled out. The  Not knowing what’s wrong—and whether he can be treated—is breaking my heart.

Charlie is only four years old. He is the sweetest, most gentle boy, and he deserves the chance to live a happy, healthy life. I am doing everything I can for him, but I cannot do it alone.

Our hearts ache to see Charlie in distress and our resources are stretched thin. We need your help to give Charlie the comprehensive care he deserves. Your generous contribution will directly impact his recovery, allowing us to pursue the critical diagnostics and treatments he urgently needs.

If you are able, please consider helping me cover Charlie’s medical costs so he can continue receiving the care he desperately needs. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this page means the world.

If you donate and the money is not needed it WILL be returned to you!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me fight for Charlie. 💙

Fundraiser Updates (5)

October 12, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Update 10/12/25



30 days ago, I was terrified I might lose him. Charlie was in the ICU, fragile and fading… but today, he’s 30 days into treatment and showing us what true strength looks like. 💔💪🏼

My heart is full of hope, love, and deep gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for him, checked in, and lifted us up — especially the amazing community at FIP Warriors® 5.0 on Facebook. You’ve given us the knowledge and hope we desperately needed.

I love this boy more than words can say. 💙
#FIPWarrior #CharlieStrong #MyHeartInFur #FIPAwareness #RagdollLove

September 25, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

AS of 9/25/25 2:42pm - Update on Charlie 💙🐾

It’s been three days since I brought Charlie home from the ICU, and I’m so grateful to share that he’s showing little signs of improvement each day. He’s been eating well and even started coming to my bed in the mornings to lick my forehead—something he used to do before he got sick. Seeing that part of his personality return means so much.

Charlie is still resting a lot, but he enjoys looking out the window and soaking in the calm, quiet environment at home—just what he needs right now. His spirits seem brighter, which gives me so much hope. I’m keeping a close eye on his digestion since the FIP medication needs to be absorbed properly, but overall I’m encouraged by his progress.

Even though I wish I could be home with him all day, I’m comforted knowing he has a peaceful space to heal. Thank you so much for all of your continued love, prayers, and support—it truly means the world to both of us as we fight for Charlie’s recovery. 💕

September 21, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Update: He’s Home! ❤️🐾

Sunday, September 21,2025 4:11 pm

We’re so relieved and incredibly grateful to share that our sweet boy is finally home after spending a full week in the ICU. It’s been an exhausting and emotional time — he was admitted last Wednesday night (9/10/25) and for a while, we weren’t sure he’d pull through. But thanks to the amazing veterinary team, your support, and his fighting spirit, he made it.

He’s not out of the woods yet. We’re cautiously optimistic, taking things one day at a time. While we still don’t have confirmation, we’ve started treatment for suspected FIP (which runs for about 84 days). It’s a long road ahead, and honestly, it’s nerve-wracking. There are still many unknowns. But for now, he’s resting, eating a little, and slowly showing signs of his old self again.

We can’t thank you enough for your donations, kind words, and encouragement. Your support is what’s making this possible — giving him a chance to fight, and us the strength to keep going. 💛

Please keep him in your thoughts as we begin this next phase of his recovery. I’ll continue to share updates as we go.

With love and gratitude,

Dana & Charlie 💙

September 20, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Charlie ICU Update 🐾💛

as of 9/20/25 9:22 am

Dear friends,

I wanted to send a heartfelt update and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible kindness and support during this difficult time. Charlie has been in the ICU all week, and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster. After a really tough night Thursday—he tore out his IV and had to have a new one placed in his neck—we finally saw a small but meaningful breakthrough yesterday: he ate on his own twice and has been holding his temperature and blood pressure.

These little victories mean everything right now. Your generosity, love, and prayers have been a lifeline—for both of us. I truly believe the energy and care you've sent are helping him keep fighting.

Please continue to keep Charlie in your thoughts and prayers. We’re taking it day by day, but your support gives us so much hope.

With endless gratitude,
Dana & Charlie 🐾💛

September 17, 2025
Dana Holsten
Dana Holsten

Update 9/16/25 as of 5:35 pm

No test results yet.  Not any significant improvements but not worse either.  Protein levels increased today.  Temp was down again today.  His hydration levels have normalized.  He is getting the FIP medication still until we rule it out. Doc said today that he DID finally poop.  Which is good sine that’s what set this off last week.  I think that’s why he looked in better spirits this morning.  Still having trouble eating on his own but they said that he DID eat last night around midnight. Even with the feeding tube in; seems odd to me that they expect a cat to want to eat with something stuffed in their nose.   So all things considered from where we were last Wednesday, I will take it.  The fluid in his chest and abdomen has not increased AND they did NOT have to do the thoracentesis procedure. Said his respiratory rate has been mostly normal the last couple days.  I just love on him as hard as I can talk to him and I take his tent, cardboard bowel and a couple of things with me every day that has my scent on it.  I’ve been taking shirts ive slept in, some of blanks around the house so that he gets some parts of home with him each day. Today I took my grooming wipes with me and two brushes and he let me wipe and brush him for a solid half hour.  I miss my morning biscuit maker and forehead exfoliation sessions so much it physically makes my heart 💜 hurt in my chest.  

Organizer

Dana Holsten

Dana Holsten is the organizer of this fundraiser

$1,140of $10,000 goal
14Donors
7Comments
16Share ArrowShares
Karley Canova

Karley Canova

$100 • Recent donation

Anonymous

Anonymous

$350 • Top donation

Anonymous

Anonymous

$50 • First donation

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