Stories of Courage and Hope

We believe that the relationship between cats and the people who love them is special. Like Jasmina Ristic, a Chicago woman struggling with cancer, whose cat intuitively knew she needed extra love and support.

Has a feline friend helped you or someone you know during a struggle with cancer? Please share your story here and inspire others.

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Featured Story

Spodee's Unconditional Support by Jasmina Ristic

When I found out I had cancer, I did what most women would have done, I cried. I cried because I understood the danger I was in. I cried because I knew my whole life was about to change. I cried because I was scared.

Once my treatment began, I struggled to cope with the pain and exhaustion. But somehow my cat, Spodee, knew I was suffering. It didn't make sense. There was no way for her to know. But she just did. She snuggled up with me in bed and on the couch, making sure to touch me with all of her paws at once. (It was as if she wanted to hug me.) And she always accompanied me around the house. She practically never let me leave her sight when I was home.

I started to feel better whenever Spodee was around. Even just petting her made me forget about my treatment.

Spodee has been my companion and friend for the past 19 years, she's been with me through some very hard times, but nothing compares to this. Spodee’s presence inspired me to keep fighting and get past the fear of the unknown. With her by my side, I knew that I would not let myself become a victim. Her soft purrs and the touch of her paws kept me grounded, it's as if she was saying "Don't worry, I'm here with you and I'll accompany you through this journey."