Photo : Rommel Demano ( Getty Images )

We covered the Amazing Acro-Cats last year here at The A.V. Club, sharing the story of how the show’s founder Samantha Martin became the head of a cat circus and allowing our cold hearts to be warmed by the sight of a bunch of friendly felines doing sick stunts. Now, Martin needs the internet’s help, as she has been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer and can’t afford to stop touring so she can undergo treatment.


Martin has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money, explaining in a post that while her insurance will cover most of her medical expenses, the chemotherapy will leave her unable to work—and therefore unable to make enough money to take care of her cats. Martin is hoping to raise $50,000 to help cover her cat-related bills and living expenses during her six weeks of radiation and chemo, six additional weeks “to let the treatment work,” and then two surgical procedures to remove the tumor.

In addition to teaching cats how to do incredible tricks, Martin has rescued and found homes for 216 cats since 2009, with proceeds from her shows going to help local animal agencies in the places she visits. She even appeared on an episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.