Chiana

Chiana
Chiana April 2025

Saturday, August 17, 2024

July 29, 2024: A New Facebook Group: FeLV Warriors: Raltegravir & Anti-Retroviral Support

My Journey with FeLV, Raltegravir, and Finding Community

The more I learned about Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and our use of raltegravir, the more I felt the need for a safe space to share insights and experiences. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy for groups like those discussing Retromad1, which had their own dedicated Facebook community. But despite my desire, I doubted my ability to create or lead such a group.

My insecurities were at odds with my faith in God. I feared that starting something like this would highlight my human failings and end in disappointment. So, I prayed and waited—patiently, but with hope.

A Chance Connection

Everything changed with one chance connection. Someone from the FeLV Owners group noticed my posts about Chiana and raltegravir. She reached out, seeking advice. Her situation was different but equally heartbreaking: she had adopted a kitten that tested positive for FeLV. The kitten’s mother had been euthanized, and she later discovered that the kitten had a sibling—another FeLV-positive feline, which she also adopted.

The twist? She was a researcher. Although not a veterinarian, her background in animal research brought an invaluable perspective. Her expertise in crunching numbers and calculating dosages, coupled with her prior experience working for IDEXX (a leading testing company), made her a unique ally.

When I expressed my interest in starting a dedicated FeLV group, she jumped in enthusiastically. We connected online and quickly hit it off. She took the reins in setting up the group and laying the groundwork for the standards we uphold today. I am deeply grateful for her contributions.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Building the Community

Margaret Mead’s words became my guiding motto. I was determined to launch the group during FeLV Awareness Month, cementing its significance. On July 29, 2024, the group officially came to life. While the initial reaction was underwhelming—“no one cared,” as I jokingly say—the important thing was that it existed. That was enough to start.

Today, the group is a space where people can share their experiences, insights, and hope. It’s a testament to the power of community and collaboration, born from a small spark of faith and a chance meeting. To anyone reading this who feels alone in their journey, remember: you are not alone. Together, we can change the world, one small step at a time.

Thank you for reading. If you’d like to learn more or join the community, feel free to reach out here.

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