The founder of Born to Purr has loved Bruce Springsteen since she was four years old. Throughout her life, his music has been a source of sustenance, hope, and inspiration. In his songs, she found lessons in self-reliance, the power of community, and the pursuit of truth and justice. They taught her that hard times will pass, good times will come again, and that the long walk is always worth taking.

 

Most of all, his music instilled a simple but powerful belief: that we can be better, we can do better, and we have a responsibility to help those who have been forgotten. To lift up the broken, guide the lost, and create hope where there was none before.

 

Along with her lifelong love of Bruce Springsteen is her love for Bandita, the special needs cat who inspired Born to Purr. Born healthy but diagnosed early with an autoimmune disease and severe knee deformities, Bandita ultimately lost a leg and is unable to walk. More than once, euthanasia was recommended. More than once, her mother chose hope instead.

 

Today, Bandita's life is beautiful and full. She lives without pain and loves food, traveling, watching movies and bird TV on her iPad. At just four pounds, with a giant tail, a spicy attitude, and the heart of a prizefighter, she has shown everyone who meets her that the impossible is often possible.

 

Bandita is living proof that compassion, sacrifice, devoted care, faith, patience, and unconditional love can transform a life. She taught us that every cat deserves a chance—and that sometimes the ones given the least chance have the most to teach us.