Ex-MMA star Angela Lee raises funds for her sick puppy, says she retired with almost zero savings
Retired mixed martial art (MMA) star Angela Lee has raised more than $3,000 in one day to care for her five-month-old sick bulldog, Brookie, on GoFundMe.
She posted on Nov 3 that on Halloween, her family returned home to find the puppy gasping for air and unable to breathe.
"Immediately, we rushed her to the ER where they tried to stabilise her. Her lungs are filled with fluid," said Lee, 28.
Brookie had non-cardiac pulmonary edema and pneumonia.
"We have been praying for her recovery, but every day that she's in the hospital incurs more fees ($5,000 per day). Right now, we are currently at over $14,000. Thankfully, we do have pet insurance; however, it only covers a portion of the costs," said Lee, who asked for donations.
A day after the GoFundMe page was started with a $3,000 goal, the sum was surpassed.
In a new post on social media, Lee wrote: "It is not easy to ask for help but when we did, we were blown away by our amazing community and we are so incredibly grateful. We will definitely be paying it forward in our own ways when we can."
She continued: For those who don't know, last year I retired from MMA and with almost zero savings. Six years being a world champion and nothing to really show for it.
"I founded FIGHTSTORY and put whatever I did have, into creating the organisation and spreading our mission. It has not been an easy year for (husband) Bruno and I.
"This is not to complain, just to inform. We are working hard each day to build ourselves back up.
"You never know what someone is going through. You never know someone's situation. So let's not be quick to judge or jump to conclusions."
The couple has a three-year-old daughter, Ava.
