Help disabled community member cover emergency care for ESA

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My loved one Mak is a disabled community worker with a companion animal named Kulot, a 3 year old poodle that performs essential functions including monitoring and drawing attention to Mak’s health needs. Mak is part of the Filipino-Canadian community and was in attendance at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver, BC this weekend where someone drove a car into the crowd, killing several and seriously injuring many more. Mak narrowly missed being a direct victim of the attack themself but has been devastated by the loss and violence of the attack through their community ties. 

In the wake of the attack, Mak has been tireless in doing the vital work of helping people locate loved ones and providing care for their grieving community. The health effects on their body from the cumulative trauma of the weekend have been severe. Kulot’s sensitivity to the intensity of Mak’s emotional and physical stress led to a critical health incident for Kulot that required emergency veterinary care, and ultimately gastro-intestinal surgery and a 48-hour hospitalization.

Within 24 hours, Mak had already paid $7,000 CAD in vet bills for this single incident. Kulot has pet insurance but maxed it out for the year already, and in an extra cruel twist of timing, the policy is set to renew May 1, 2025. Mak is on provincial disability support with a fixed monthly income ($1,500 CAD) swallowed whole by their apartment’s rent ($2,500 CAD), which is still due May 1. Mak also helps financially support immigrant family members, sending usually at least $2,300 on a monthly basis. Mak is also moving to Vancouver Island later in May and the money they had set aside in their savings for moving has been already completely exhausted by the emergency vet bills. 

Please help Mak offset the cost of emergency surgery for their support animal and be able to focus on their own and their community’s recovery. Their years of work in Filipino communities in the diaspora, queer and trans activism, disability advocacy, and immigration consulting speak to their deep dedication to the collective, and to mutual aid - there is no doubt that when Mak is resourced, they WILL use their position to lift up people both in their immediate area and also around the world. 

We love Kulot too!! He is a really sweet 3 year old Standard Poodle who does such a good job checking on Mak and helping them take care of themself. Taking any amount of financial stress off Mak’s shoulders will ensure that Kulot has a smoother recovery.

Mak asks for $4,000 USD, which is not even the full amount of the ER vet bills. They understand that there are multiple fundraising campaigns happening for others more directly impacted by the Lapu Lapu day event and want to ensure those can also reach their goals. 

Please donate and/or circulate this mutual aid request to show a care worker and their furry care worker some love right now, and help them get back to supporting their community through this acutely difficult time. Thank you!

Mak's request is that you add any photos or selfies you may have with with Kulot when you share on social media to boost engagement! 

Additional/alternative information: 

For USD transactions: 

Zelle (preferred): 831-207-6269 (under M. Donovan ** put a dog emoji in the message! **)

Venmo: @konwaffle 

For CAD transactions: 

E-transfer: [email protected]

Paypal: @MAKonefal