Two Decades of Dedication: The Bria Fund’s Enduring Legacy in Feline Infectious Peritonitis Research Marks 20th Anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2025 – Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Bria Fund for FIP Research, a philanthropic initiative that has profoundly transformed the landscape of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness. Founded by Susan Gingrich in memory of her beloved Birman cat, Brianna Jamie (Bria), the fund has channeled millions of dollars into critical scientific investigations, moving FIP from a universally fatal diagnosis to a treatable, and often curable, condition for countless cats worldwide. This milestone is not merely a commemoration of a fund’s establishment but a celebration of persistent advocacy, groundbreaking scientific progress, and the unwavering dedication of a global community determined to eradicate a once-devastating disease.

The Scourge of Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Historical Context

Before the advent of targeted antiviral treatments, Feline Infectious Peritonitis was synonymous with despair for cat owners and veterinarians alike. FIP is a complex and often fatal systemic disease caused by a mutated form of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). While most cats infected with FCoV experience mild or no symptoms, a genetic mutation in the virus within an individual cat can lead to FIP, which manifests in two primary forms: effusive ("wet") FIP, characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, and non-effusive ("dry") FIP, which affects various organs without significant fluid buildup. Both forms lead to progressive organ damage and, historically, a grim prognosis.

In the early 2000s, when Bria succumbed to the disease, veterinary medicine offered little beyond supportive care and palliative measures. The exact mechanisms of FIP were poorly understood, diagnostic tests were often inconclusive, and effective treatments were non-existent. The emotional and financial toll on owners was immense, exacerbated by the feeling of helplessness in the face of an incurable illness. Research into FIP was underfunded and lacked a cohesive, global platform, leaving individual researchers and clinicians grappling with a formidable adversary in isolation. It was against this backdrop of medical futility and widespread heartbreak that the Bria Fund was conceived, driven by a personal tragedy that would ignite a revolution in feline health.

The Genesis of a Promise: Bria’s Enduring Legacy

The impetus for the Bria Fund emerged from the profound grief and determined spirit of Susan Gingrich and her husband, Jim Shurskis. On April 19, 2005, they faced the traumatic goodbye to their nine-month-old Birman, Brianna Jamie, affectionately known as Bria. Diagnosed with wet FIP, a condition that vets at the time could identify but not treat effectively, Bria’s struggle was a harrowing experience. Gingrich recounts the emotional devastation, the fear, and the profound sense of isolation, as they knew no one else whose cat had suffered from FIP. Despite the bleak prognosis, Bria displayed remarkable resilience, fighting for an additional four months before succumbing to the disease.

It was at Bria’s burial that Susan Gingrich made a solemn vow: Bria’s short life would not be forgotten. This promise transcended personal mourning; it became a powerful catalyst for change. Gingrich recognized the urgent need for research into FIP, driven by the hope that no other cat owner would have to endure the same helpless agony. This personal pledge transformed into a public mission, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most impactful disease-specific research funds in feline medicine.

Establishing the Bria Fund: A Structured Approach to Advocacy

The transition from personal vow to organized philanthropic effort was swift and strategic. In July 2005, just months after Bria’s passing, Susan Gingrich penned a comprehensive proposal outlining her vision for a dedicated FIP research fund and submitted it to the Winn Feline Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing feline health research. Her proactive approach quickly garnered attention, leading to an invitation to an executive meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, to discuss her innovative ideas.

The foundation recognized the critical need for such an initiative and the compelling passion behind it. On November 7, 2005, Gingrich received official notification that the Winn Feline Foundation had agreed to incorporate the Bria Fund as a stipulated donation vehicle. This crucial designation ensured that all donations made specifically to the Bria Fund would be exclusively earmarked for FIP research, preventing their diversion to other general feline health initiatives. This structural integrity was vital for donor confidence and the fund’s long-term focus.

The formal public announcement of the Bria Fund’s establishment occurred on November 18, 2005, at an international cat show in Foster City, California. This strategic launch at a prominent feline event immediately placed the fund on the radar of cat fanciers, breeders, and veterinarians, signaling a new era of concerted effort against FIP.

Building a Global Community: The FIP Fighters Unite

While awaiting the Winn Feline Foundation’s decision, Susan Gingrich actively sought out others who shared her experience. She discovered a nascent global community of cat owners whose pets had also died from suspected FIP, coalescing around an established Yahoo group called "FIP Cat Support." This online forum provided a vital space for shared grief, information exchange, and mutual support, highlighting the widespread impact of the disease.

Recognizing the burgeoning need for a more dynamic and accessible platform, Gingrich, with the assistance of the Yahoo group’s moderator and a few dedicated individuals, co-founded the "FIP Fighters’ Group" on Facebook. This early adoption of social media proved transformative, creating a powerful, interconnected network of "FIP sisters" united by a common tragedy and a shared mission. The Facebook group rapidly expanded, providing an immediate support system and a conduit for disseminating information about the nascent Bria Fund.

The collaboration extended beyond cat owners. Once the Winn Feline Foundation was onboard, Gingrich gained access to a network of knowledgeable veterinarians and researchers. She recalls the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Niels Peterson, whom she affectionately refers to as the "Father of FIP Research." Dr. Peterson’s profound expertise and compassionate guidance were instrumental in Gingrich’s steep learning curve, enabling her to effectively bridge the gap between scientific research and community advocacy. His contributions, along with those of other leading experts, were foundational to the fund’s ability to identify and support credible, high-impact research projects.

Overcoming Early Hurdles and Funding Breakthroughs

Raising money for FIP research in its nascent stages was an formidable challenge. The prevailing sentiment was one of resignation; many perceived FIP as an incurable death sentence, making it difficult to motivate donations for a seemingly hopeless cause. Despite this, Susan Gingrich held an unwavering belief in the fund’s purpose. She attributes the fund’s early growth to a combination of divine blessing and the tenacious efforts of the small core of "FIP sisters," whose tireless advocacy, amplified by the burgeoning power of social media, steadily spread awareness of the Bria Fund’s mission.

Early efforts involved tireless dedication from Gingrich and her husband, Jim. Weekends, vacations, and personal time were consistently dedicated to attending cat shows and other events, educating the public about FIP and soliciting donations. Gingrich personally covered travel expenses, hotel accommodations, and items for fundraising, ensuring that 100% of all collected donations directly benefited the Bria Fund. This commitment to transparency and direct impact resonated deeply with donors.

The tireless work began to yield tangible results. As word of the fund’s dedication and the community’s passion spread, donations increased. Within a couple of years of its establishment, the Bria Fund proudly announced its first funded research project, a significant milestone that validated the community’s efforts and marked the beginning of scientific breakthroughs. After Gingrich and Shurskis retired in 2015, Dr. Vicki Thayer, then Executive Director of the Winn Feline Foundation, recognized the immense personal sacrifices made and authorized the foundation to reimburse Gingrich for some of her accumulated expenses, acknowledging her extraordinary commitment.

A Decade of Dedication: Official Recognition and Global Awareness

The Bria Fund’s influence continued to expand, culminating in a significant milestone on its 10th anniversary. Susan Gingrich’s original proposal to the Winn Feline Foundation had included the ambitious idea of an "FIP Awareness Week" centered around April 19th, the date of Bria’s passing. While a full week was not established at that time, the fund’s enduring impact was formally recognized in a different, equally powerful way.

On November 18, 2015, the 10th anniversary of the Bria Fund’s public announcement, Congressman Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee entered a statement into the Congressional Record. This official declaration designated November 18th as "National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day." Although intended for the United States, the significance of this recognition resonated globally, with Bria Fund supporters outside the U.S. readily adopting it as their own. This day became a poignant annual observance, not only celebrating the progress in FIP research but also solemnly honoring the countless cats lost to the disease and the devoted people who loved them. It transformed a personal tragedy into a universally acknowledged call to action, cementing Bria’s legacy on a national and international stage.

The Scientific Revolution in FIP Research: From Despair to Hope

The past two decades, largely propelled by the consistent funding and advocacy from initiatives like the Bria Fund, have witnessed a seismic shift in FIP research. Historically, FIP research faced significant hurdles, including the complexity of the feline coronavirus, the difficulty in developing effective antiviral agents, and the lack of dedicated funding. However, the sustained efforts of researchers, supported by funds like Bria’s, led to a pivotal breakthrough.

The most significant advancement came with the development of specific antiviral drugs. Building upon years of fundamental research into viral replication mechanisms, scientists developed nucleoside analogs, such as GS-441524, which interfere with the FIP virus’s ability to reproduce. Early clinical trials, often supported by FIP-focused organizations, demonstrated astonishing efficacy. What was once a universally fatal diagnosis began to respond to treatment, often resulting in complete remission. This breakthrough effectively transformed FIP from a death sentence into a treatable, and frequently curable, disease. The journey from laboratory discovery to widespread availability of these treatments has been complex, involving rigorous testing, regulatory challenges, and community-led initiatives to ensure access.

Today, the EveryCat Health Foundation (formerly the Winn Feline Foundation) continues to champion FIP research, building upon the groundwork laid by the Bria Fund. They actively share progress, host symposia, and fund a diverse portfolio of research projects. Susan Gingrich reflects on this evolution with immense satisfaction: "At one point in my life, I thought that not enough researchers would be interested in it, but I was so happy to be proven wrong. Now, there isn’t enough money for all the credible researchers interested in FIP." This statement underscores a profound shift: the challenge is no longer a lack of scientific interest but rather the need for sufficient funding to support the burgeoning number of promising research avenues. While effective treatments are available, the "total puzzle still isn’t solved," with ongoing efforts focused on prevention strategies, more accessible and affordable treatments, and a deeper understanding of the genetic predispositions that lead to FCoV mutation.

Broader Impact: A Model for Advocacy and Feline Health

The Bria Fund’s journey has had far-reaching implications beyond just FIP research. It has established a powerful model for grassroots advocacy, demonstrating how a personal tragedy, coupled with strategic organization and community engagement, can drive significant scientific and societal change. The fund’s success has:

• Increased Public Awareness: By consistently campaigning and sharing information, the Bria Fund significantly elevated public understanding of FIP, its symptoms, and the need for early diagnosis.
• Empowered Cat Owners: It provided a platform for cat owners to connect, share experiences, and actively participate in the fight against FIP, fostering a sense of community and hope where there was once only despair.
• Influenced Funding Priorities: The dedicated nature of the fund ensured consistent investment in FIP research, attracting top scientists to a field that was previously overlooked.
• Catalyzed Scientific Collaboration: By bringing together researchers, veterinarians, and cat owners, the fund facilitated a collaborative environment essential for accelerating breakthroughs.
• Set a Precedent for Disease-Specific Funds: The Bria Fund’s success has inspired the creation of other disease-specific research funds within the animal health sector, demonstrating the efficacy of targeted philanthropic efforts.
• Global Reach of Awareness: The establishment of National FIP Awareness, Research and Education Day on November 18th has resonated internationally, creating a unified global voice for continued action against FIP.

The transformation of FIP from a death sentence to a manageable disease is a testament to the power of dedicated advocacy and scientific pursuit.

Looking Ahead: The Unfinished Puzzle and Enduring Hope

While tremendous progress has been made, the fight against FIP is not over. "No, the total puzzle still isn’t solved, and we can’t prevent it yet, but we aren’t done!" Gingrich affirms. The goal remains the complete elimination of FIP through prevention, accessible diagnostics, and universal treatment. Continued donation to the Bria Fund, now stewarded by the EveryCat Health Foundation, is crucial to sustain this momentum and fund the next generation of research projects. These efforts include exploring vaccine development, understanding genetic susceptibilities, and refining treatment protocols to ensure every cat afflicted with FIP has a chance at a full recovery.

Reflecting on the past two decades, Susan Gingrich sees a mosaic of faces—fellow advocates, supportive family, and dedicated researchers—who have been integral to this journey. Some remain close, others have drifted, and some, like their beloved Bria, now rest in peace, their memory serving as a constant reminder of the mission. At 77, Gingrich remains vibrant and healthy, her mind sharp with memories of the countless kitties whose photos adorn her desktop—those lost, those living with FIP, and, increasingly, FIP survivors.

Her promise to Bria has been fulfilled, and she envisions Bria in feline heaven, greeting newcomers with the playful introduction, "Hi, I’m Bria, you know, that Bria." Her current Birman, Cassandraa Brie (Cassie), now 20 years old, embodies the enduring spirit of these remarkable cats. Despite battling Third Stage Renal Failure, HCM, mild IBD, and cognitive issues, Cassie remains as feisty and bossy as Bria once was. Gingrich’s prayer for Cassie’s continued presence underscores the profound bond between humans and their feline companions, a bond that fueled the Bria Fund’s creation and continues to drive its mission forward.

The 20th anniversary of the Bria Fund for FIP Research is more than a historical marker; it is a reaffirmation of a powerful legacy, a celebration of scientific triumph over despair, and a renewed call to action for the future elimination of FIP.

About the Author:
Susan E. Gingrich, MHS, is a Commonwealth of PA retiree, proudly referring to herself as a "recovering bureaucrat" and former public servant. She is a freelance writer and Christian activist. Currently residing in Loudon, TN, with her senior Birman cat, Cassie, she is planning a return to PA to be closer to family and friends. Her dedication to the Bria Fund remains an active part of her life’s work.