Two Decades of Dedication: The Bria Fund Marks 20 Years of Transforming Feline FIP Research

November 18, 2025, marks the momentous 20th anniversary of the Bria Fund for FIP Research, a philanthropic initiative that emerged from profound personal loss to catalyze a global movement against Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Founded by Susan Gingrich in memory of her beloved Birman cat, Brianna Jamie (Bria), the fund has played an instrumental role in transforming FIP from an almost universally fatal diagnosis into a treatable condition, offering hope to countless cat owners worldwide. This milestone is celebrated globally, coinciding with National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day, a designation secured through the fund’s tireless advocacy.

The Genesis of a Movement: A Personal Tragedy Ignites Global Hope

The impetus for the Bria Fund arose from an deeply traumatic experience on April 19, 2005, when Susan Gingrich and her husband, Jim Shurskis, bid farewell to their cherished nine-month-old Birman, Bria. Diagnosed with the aggressive "wet" form of FIP, a condition then widely considered a death sentence, the couple navigated a frightening and depressing journey with little understanding or support. In the early 2000s, FIP was an enigma to many, and effective treatments were non-existent. Bria, despite her youth, exhibited remarkable resilience, fighting for an additional four months before succumbing to the disease. It was at her burial that Gingrich made a solemn promise: Bria’s short life would not be forgotten, and her legacy would be dedicated to eradicating the suffering caused by FIP. This promise became the bedrock of the Bria Fund.

Driven by this profound commitment, Gingrich meticulously drafted a proposal for a dedicated FIP research fund, submitting it to the Winn Feline Foundation (now EveryCat Health Foundation) in July 2005. Her passion and well-articulated vision resonated with the foundation, leading to an invitation to an executive meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, to discuss her innovative ideas. The formal approval arrived swiftly, with a letter dated November 7, 2005, confirming the Winn Feline Foundation’s agreement to establish the Bria Fund as a stipulated donation vehicle. This crucial designation ensured that all contributions made to the fund would be exclusively allocated to FIP research, preventing diversion to other causes and maximizing its impact on the specific disease. Just eleven days later, on November 18, 2005, the Bria Fund was officially announced to the international feline community at a prominent cat show in Foster City, California, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Historical Overview of a Devastating Disease

To fully appreciate the Bria Fund’s impact, it is essential to understand the historical context of Feline Infectious Peritonitis. FIP is a complex and highly aggressive viral disease in cats, caused by a mutation of the feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV). While FCoV is common and typically causes mild or asymptomatic gastrointestinal issues, certain mutations can lead to FIP, a systemic and often fatal condition. The disease manifests in two primary forms: the "wet" or effusive form, characterized by fluid accumulation in body cavities, and the "dry" or non-effusive form, which involves lesions on internal organs. Both forms were, for decades, considered progressive and incurable, with a near 100% mortality rate once clinical signs appeared.

Prior to the significant advancements spurred by research, diagnosing FIP was challenging and often relied on invasive procedures and post-mortem examination. Treatment was limited to palliative care aimed at managing symptoms and providing comfort, offering no hope for recovery. This grim reality left veterinarians and cat owners alike feeling helpless, contributing to the emotional trauma associated with an FIP diagnosis. The lack of understanding, coupled with the disease’s insidious nature, meant that research into effective treatments was critically underfunded and lacked a coordinated global effort. This void underscored the urgent need for dedicated initiatives like the Bria Fund.

Building a Coalition: Early Advocacy and Community Engagement

While awaiting the Winn Feline Foundation’s decision, Susan Gingrich discovered a burgeoning global community of individuals similarly affected by FIP. Online platforms became crucial gathering spaces for grieving pet owners and those seeking answers. She found an established FIP help group on Yahoo, "FIP Cat Support," which served as an early lifeline for many. Collaborating with the group’s moderator and a few other dedicated individuals, Gingrich helped establish the "FIP Fighters’ Group" on Facebook, fostering a sense of solidarity among what she affectionately termed "FIP sisters." These early online communities were pivotal in sharing experiences, offering emotional support, and raising nascent awareness about the disease.

Once the Bria Fund was established with the Winn Feline Foundation, Gingrich gained access to a network of knowledgeable veterinarians and researchers, accelerating her own understanding of FIP. She diligently absorbed information, becoming an informed advocate and sharing her newfound knowledge with the burgeoning FIP community. Among these vital connections, Dr. Niels Pedersen emerged as a towering figure. Widely recognized as the "Father of FIP Research," Dr. Pedersen’s pioneering work at the University of California, Davis, laid much of the groundwork for understanding the feline coronavirus and its progression to FIP. Gingrich credits him as one of the kindest people she knew, teaching and helping her immensely, providing invaluable scientific guidance that shaped the fund’s direction.

In those initial years, raising money for FIP research was an uphill battle. The perception that FIP was an untreatable death sentence deterred many potential donors. However, through the unwavering dedication of the small core of "FIP sisters" and the burgeoning power of social media, awareness of the Bria Fund slowly but steadily grew. Gingrich recalls believing that a higher purpose guided the fund’s unlikely success, likening it to a divine blessing.

Her first major public outreach event was a Winn FIP Symposium held at the annual Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) Conference in Virginia. This gathering provided a vital opportunity to meet some of her "FIP sisters" in person, solidifying their shared mission. It was also where she forged a crucial alliance with Dr. Vicki Thayer, who would become one of her staunchest supporters. Dr. Thayer, an influential figure in feline health, recognized the immense potential of Gingrich’s advocacy. The symposium served not only as an educational platform but also as a strategic meeting ground for the "FIP sisters" to plan future initiatives to bolster the Bria Fund’s coffers. As word continued to spread through these grassroots efforts and official channels, donations steadily increased, culminating in the funding of the first Bria-supported research project within a couple of years.

Milestones in Research and Advocacy: The Bria Fund’s Impact

The Bria Fund’s journey from a personal promise to a leading force in FIP research is a testament to unwavering dedication. For years, Susan Gingrich maintained a demanding schedule, working full-time at her employment during the day and dedicating her evenings, often until midnight, to the Bria Fund – a true labor of love. Her weekends, vacations, and personal time, along with her husband Jim Shurskis, were predominantly spent at cat shows and other events. Here, they tirelessly educated the public about FIP, raised awareness, and solicited donations. A hallmark of Gingrich’s commitment was her personal financing of travel, hotel expenses, and items for donations, ensuring that 100% of all contributions directly benefited the Bria Fund’s research initiatives. This profound personal sacrifice underscored the integrity and singular focus of the fund.

After Jim and Susan retired in 2015, Dr. Vicki Thayer, then Executive Director of the Winn Feline Foundation, recognized the immense personal financial burden Gingrich had borne for over a decade. In a gesture of appreciation and support, Dr. Thayer authorized the foundation to begin reimbursing Gingrich for some of her ongoing expenses, acknowledging the invaluable contribution she had made without personal gain. This institutional support further solidified the partnership between Gingrich’s grassroots efforts and the broader scientific community represented by Winn.

A Day for Awareness: National Recognition for FIP Research

From the outset, Susan Gingrich’s original proposal to the Winn Feline Foundation included the creation of an FIP Awareness Week, specifically targeting the week of April 19th, the anniversary of Bria’s passing. While a full week-long observance did not materialize as initially envisioned, her advocacy bore significant fruit on the 10th Anniversary of the Bria Fund in 2015. On this momentous occasion, Congressman Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee, recognizing the profound impact and ongoing need for FIP research, 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 primarily intended for the United States, the spirit of this recognition quickly transcended borders. Bria Fund supporters and FIP advocates outside the U.S. embraced November 18th as their own day for global FIP awareness. This annual observance serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made, the ongoing challenges, and, critically, a somber recognition of all the precious cats tragically lost to this "evil disease" and the loving families who grieved them. The designation provided a tangible symbol of the fund’s enduring legacy and the collective commitment to a future free from FIP.

The Scientific Breakthroughs: From Incurable to Treatable

Over the past two decades, the landscape of FIP treatment has undergone a monumental transformation, a shift profoundly influenced by sustained funding from initiatives like the Bria Fund. For many years, FIP research was a marginalized field, struggling to attract significant investment due to the perceived hopelessness of the disease. However, the consistent flow of targeted donations channeled through the Bria Fund provided crucial seed money and sustained support for pioneering scientists.

This dedicated funding played a vital role in advancing fundamental research into the feline coronavirus, its mutation mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets. The scientific community, bolstered by growing advocacy and financial backing, began to unravel the complex pathology of FIP. The most significant breakthrough arrived in the late 2010s with the development of specific antiviral compounds, most notably GS-441524 and its analogs (related to remdesivir). These drugs target the viral replication process, effectively halting the progression of the disease. Clinical trials and subsequent real-world application demonstrated unprecedented success rates, often exceeding 80-90% in curing FIP, even in advanced cases.

This represented a paradigm shift in veterinary medicine. What was once an untreatable, fatal condition became curable. The Bria Fund’s early and consistent support for research, often when few others were willing to invest, directly contributed to creating the environment necessary for these breakthroughs to occur. The transition from palliative care to curative therapies has revolutionized the lives of countless cats and their owners, turning despair into profound hope. While tremendous progress has been made, the "total puzzle still isn’t solved." Researchers continue to work on preventing FIP, developing even more accessible and affordable treatments, and refining diagnostic methods for earlier detection.

EveryCat Health Foundation: Carrying the Torch Forward

The Winn Feline Foundation, which initially partnered with Susan Gingrich to establish the Bria Fund, underwent a significant evolution, rebranding in 2021 to become the EveryCat Health Foundation. This change reflected an expanded mission to support the health and well-being of all cats, while maintaining its core commitment to rigorous, peer-reviewed research. EveryCat Health Foundation continues to be the proud steward of the Bria Fund, upholding its original mandate to direct all donations specifically to FIP research.

Today, EveryCat Health Foundation plays a crucial role in disseminating the progress of Bria Fund-supported and broader FIP research. They serve as a central hub for information, sharing updates on scientific advancements, treatment protocols, and future research directions through their website and other communication channels. This role is vital in keeping the global FIP community informed and engaged.

Susan Gingrich, reflecting on the journey, expresses immense satisfaction at being proven wrong about her early concern that not enough researchers would be interested in FIP. The scientific breakthroughs have ignited a vibrant research community, with an abundance of credible scientists now eager to contribute to FIP studies. The challenge has shifted from attracting researchers to securing sufficient funding to support the promising avenues of inquiry. The need for continued financial support for the Bria Fund remains paramount to push the boundaries of knowledge further, ultimately aiming for the complete elimination of FIP.

The Enduring Legacy: Hope for a Future Without FIP

Looking back over the past two decades, Susan Gingrich reflects on the myriad faces of those who contributed to the Bria Fund’s success: fellow advocates, dedicated researchers, and compassionate pet owners. Some remain close contacts, others have faded from touch, and many, including their beloved FIP and other "fur kids," are remembered in Heaven. Her desktop holds a digital archive of photos: kitties lost to FIP, those currently battling it, and, increasingly, images of FIP survivors—a poignant visual timeline of progress and enduring hope. At 77, Gingrich remains mentally sharp and generally healthy, a testament to her enduring spirit and the profound impact of her life’s work.

The promise made to Bria in 2005 has been unequivocally fulfilled. Gingrich often imagines Bria in Heaven, greeting newcomers with a playful, "Hi, I’m Bria, you know, that Bria." Her legacy lives on, not just in the scientific advancements but in the enduring spirit of advocacy she ignited. In the Gingrich-Shurskis household, Bria’s reign as the alpha feline may soon face competition from Cassandraa Brie (Cassie), a 20-year-old Birman who, despite battling Third Stage Renal Failure, HCM, mild IBD, and some cognitive issues, remains as feisty and bossy as Bria once was. Gingrich prays for Cassie’s continued presence, knowing her beloved companion will depart on her own terms.

The Bria Fund stands as a powerful testament to how a singular act of remembrance, fueled by personal grief and unwavering determination, can spark a global movement and fundamentally alter the course of veterinary medicine. It has transformed the narrative of FIP from one of despair to one of hope, demonstrating the profound impact of grassroots advocacy combined with scientific rigor. As the EveryCat Health Foundation continues to champion FIP research through the Bria Fund, the ultimate goal remains clear: to one day eliminate FIP entirely, ensuring that no other cat owner has to experience the heartbreak that Susan Gingrich endured 20 years ago. The call for continued donations is not just a request for funds; it is an invitation to be part of a future where FIP is merely a chapter in the history books of feline health.

About the Author: Susan E. Gingrich MHS., a Commonwealth of PA retiree, refers to herself as a recovering bureaucrat and proud, 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 to return to PA to be closer to family and friends.