BHS Alum Sue Ann Evans Harbin Sends Thanks for Support; Beloved Canine Receives Needed Surgery
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on March 02, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
UPDATE: Bridgeport High School alum Sue Ann Evans Harbin wishes to thank Connect-Bridgeport readers for their support toward her dog's medical care. Cindi has gone into surgery to repair injuries suffered as a result of the rare disease, Valley Fever, and it is hoped she will make a full recovery. So far, supporters have contributed about $600 toward the costly $3,000 medical care regimen. She sends her most sincere appreciation.
Original story:
A member of the Bridgeport High School graduating class of 1964, Sue Ann Evans Harbin is calling upon residents of her hometown for some help.
Her request is unusual, but one very dear to her heart. Harbin is asking for help to fund surgery for her nine-year-old dog, Cindi, diagnosed with an unusual disease called Valley Fever.
Surgery is scheduled for Monday, March 2 at Star Valley Pet Hospital in Payson, Ariz. The procedure and follow-up care is quite costly, an estimated $1500 to $2000 – way more than Harbin and her ex-husband Bill, a disabled Vietnam veteran, can afford.
Harbin is currently living in Florida with her son. Cindi lives in Arizona with Bill Harbin. Though divorced, the two maintain a very cordial relationship and both care very much about their dog, which – through the years - has been a loving companion. But it is Bill who depends upon her most.
“He has post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety disorder and he depends on Cindi for stability and companionship,” she said.
Harbin said she misses Cindi every single day, but that she stays in touch.
"She recognizes my voice on the phone and she loves the care packages of special treats and shirts and toys that I send to her," Harbin said. "Bill has special difficulties and needs, but Cindi has been his lifeline during really rough times. God knew that Bill would need Cindi and they would need each other and that I would be ok too."
Cindi was diagnosed a few months ago when a wound was sutured and would not heal or close.
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“In spite of antibiotics for three months and careful wound care by (Bill) at home, Cindi's only chance of healing, is antifungal medication for a year at $46 a month and extensive reconstructive surgery and wound care,” Harbin said. “He is not able to afford such care for Cindi since he lives only on Social Security disability income.”
“In spite of antibiotics for three months and careful wound care by (Bill) at home, Cindi's only chance of healing, is antifungal medication for a year at $46 a month and extensive reconstructive surgery and wound care,” Harbin said. “He is not able to afford such care for Cindi since he lives only on Social Security disability income.”
A GoFundMe site has been established for any donations toward the surgery and treatments.“If you could please make a donation to help with Cindi's surgical costs, we would be ever so thankful,” Harbin said.
GoFundMe is a safeguarded site, she said. All funds go directly to the clinic.
It was Bridgeport’s Jeanne Unger who brought the situation to Connect-Bridgeport’s attention. The two were friends in high school and remain friends today. It’s just what friends do, Unger said.
“Several of us have donated, but much more is needed,” she said.
As of Feb. 27, more than $500 had been donated.
"Finally, on Monday, March 2, Cindi will be getting the needed surgery to close a terrible open wound and to remove the painful mammary cyst," Harbin said, "and after a year of taking antifungal medication to heal her of Valley Fever, we are praying that she can live out her remaining lifetime, pain free and loving life."
Visit the GoFundMe site HERE.
