Actor Joey Luthman Embarks on Cross-Country One-Wheel Journey to Fund Feline Chronic Kidney Disease and Cancer Research

Los Angeles, CA (September 17, 2025) – The EveryCat Health Foundation today announced a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by actor and director Joey Luthman, who has designated the foundation as the beneficiary of an ambitious cross-country "one-wheel" trek. Commencing on October 1st, Luthman will embark on "Joey’s Ride for Cats," a 45-day journey from California to Maine, aiming to raise crucial funds and amplify public awareness regarding two of the most devastating feline health challenges: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and cancer. This epic endeavor underscores a profound personal commitment to feline welfare and a strategic partnership designed to advance life-saving research.

Luthman, known for his roles in popular television series such as General Hospital, Modern Family, and Weeds, will navigate the vast American landscape on a self-balancing electric skateboard with a single wheel. This unique mode of transport is not merely a physical challenge but a deliberate choice to capture widespread attention and engagement, encouraging the public to follow his progress and contribute to EveryCat Health Foundation’s mission of funding innovative feline health research globally. The journey will begin at the iconic Santa Monica Pier in California, symbolizing a westward starting point, and conclude at the historic Marshall Point Lighthouse in Maine, marking a significant traverse across the continental United States.

A Journey Fueled by Personal Loss and Scientific Imperative

The impetus for "Joey’s Ride for Cats" stems from Luthman’s deeply personal experiences with feline illness. In 2023, he suffered the profound loss of his beloved 15-year-old cat, Winter, to Chronic Kidney Disease. This heartbreak was compounded shortly thereafter by the passing of a close friend’s 15-year-old cat, Momo, due to cancer. These successive losses illuminated the pervasive and often devastating impact of these diseases on feline companions and their human families, compelling Luthman to transform his grief into proactive advocacy.

"Losing Winter was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced," Luthman shared, reflecting on his motivation. "I knew I had to do something—not just for him, but for every family that’s gone through the same thing or might in the future. I’m incredibly excited to contribute to the meaningful mission of EveryCat Health Foundation, and to help amplify the impact of their work in cat health through this journey." His commitment extends beyond fundraising; Luthman plans to utilize his extensive social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok (@JoeyLuthman), to provide daily updates, share educational content about feline CKD and cancer, and engage with followers, effectively transforming his ride into a dynamic, interactive public awareness campaign.

EveryCat Health Foundation: Decades of Dedication to Feline Well-being

The EveryCat Health Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of all cats, stands as the direct beneficiary of Luthman’s monumental effort. Established in 1968 as the Winn Feline Foundation, and rebranded in recent years to better reflect its expansive mission, EveryCat has a rich history of funding groundbreaking research projects worldwide. The foundation’s rigorous grant-making process supports studies focused on understanding, preventing, and treating a wide array of feline diseases, from infectious agents to genetic conditions, and critically, chronic ailments like CKD and cancer.

Jackie Ott Jaakola, President and CEO of EveryCat Health Foundation, expressed immense enthusiasm for the partnership. "Feline CKD and cancer leave far too many cat lovers heartbroken," Jaakola stated. "EveryCat is dedicated to ensuring that cats no longer suffer from these diseases, and we’re thrilled that Joey Luthman is taking such a bold step toward supporting our mission—and helping cats around the world have happy and healthy lives." The funds raised through "Joey’s Ride for Cats" will directly support EveryCat’s grant funding mission, enabling scientists to pursue innovative diagnostics, develop more effective therapies, and ultimately work towards cures for these prevalent and life-threatening conditions.

The Urgent Need: Understanding Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) represents a formidable challenge in feline veterinary medicine, often progressing silently until significant damage has occurred. It is characterized by the gradual and irreversible decline of kidney function, essential for filtering waste products from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and producing hormones.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and VCA Hospitals, CKD is particularly prevalent in older felines, affecting up to 80% of cats over 15 years old. Even among the general feline population, estimates of CKD prevalence range from 1.6% to 20%, highlighting its widespread impact. Common symptoms, which often appear subtly and worsen over time, include increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria), weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and a dull coat.

Diagnosis typically involves comprehensive blood work (measuring creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) levels) and urinalysis (assessing urine specific gravity). While CKD is not curable, aggressive management can significantly extend a cat’s life and improve its quality. Treatment protocols often include specialized renal diets designed to be low in protein, phosphorus, and sodium, subcutaneous fluid therapy to combat dehydration, medications to manage blood pressure and phosphorus levels, and supplements to address anemia. The financial and emotional burden on pet owners managing a cat with CKD can be substantial, underscoring the critical need for continued research into earlier diagnostic markers and more effective therapeutic interventions.

Feline Cancer: A Devastating and Complex Foe

Alongside CKD, feline cancer stands as another major health crisis for cats worldwide. Statistics from a study by UC Davis indicate that approximately 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer each year, and it accounts for roughly 32% of all feline deaths. This makes cancer a leading cause of mortality in domesticated cats, especially as they age.

Feline cancers manifest in various forms, with some of the most common types including lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), squamous cell carcinoma (often affecting the mouth or skin, particularly in white or light-colored cats exposed to sun), mammary gland tumors, and fibrosarcomas. Risk factors can include age, genetics, and environmental exposures. Symptoms vary widely depending on the type and location of the cancer but can include unexplained lumps or bumps, persistent weight loss, changes in appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty eating or swallowing, non-healing sores, and lameness.

Diagnosis often involves a combination of physical examination, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI), and definitive biopsies. Treatment options mirror those in human oncology, including surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and increasingly, targeted immunotherapies. The prognosis for feline cancer is highly variable, depending on the specific type of cancer, its stage at diagnosis, and the cat’s overall health. Early detection is paramount for successful treatment, emphasizing the need for regular veterinary check-ups and owner vigilance. Research into feline cancer focuses on improved early detection methods, novel drug therapies, and a deeper understanding of genetic predispositions.

A Precursor Event: CatCon 2025 Engagement

Prior to embarking on his epic ride, Joey Luthman actively engaged with the feline enthusiast community at CatCon, an annual event held in Pasadena, California. On August 2nd-3rd, 2025, Luthman made a significant appearance, joining EveryCat health experts at their information booth. His participation included co-hosting "Feline Fact Frenzy," an interactive cat health trivia game and presentation designed to educate attendees on critical feline health topics in an engaging format. This pre-ride engagement served as an effective platform to raise initial awareness for his upcoming journey and to highlight the vital work of the EveryCat Health Foundation, laying the groundwork for broader public support.

Broader Implications and a Call to Action

"Joey’s Ride for Cats" transcends a mere physical challenge; it represents a powerful fusion of celebrity advocacy, public health awareness, and scientific philanthropy. By leveraging his public platform and undertaking such a unique and demanding journey, Luthman is poised to reach millions, particularly younger audiences active on social media, who may not typically engage with veterinary health issues. This innovative approach could significantly broaden the demographic base of support for feline health research.

Veterinary professionals and animal welfare advocates consistently highlight the urgent need for advanced research into CKD and cancer, recognizing their profound impact on feline welfare and the emotional toll on pet owners. Campaigns like Luthman’s are instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific need and public funding. The funds raised will directly enable EveryCat Health Foundation to invest in projects that could lead to revolutionary breakthroughs, such as the development of non-invasive early diagnostic tools, more targeted and less toxic treatment protocols, and ultimately, preventative strategies.

The journey also serves as an inspiration for other public figures to utilize their influence for philanthropic causes, demonstrating the profound impact an individual can have when driven by personal conviction. As Joey Luthman embarks on this extraordinary quest, the public is invited to become an integral part of this life-saving mission. Tracking his journey via Instagram and TikTok (@JoeyLuthman) offers a real-time connection to the cause, fostering a sense of shared purpose. More importantly, financial contributions are vital. To learn more about Joey Luthman’s journey, follow his progress, and support "Joey’s Ride for Cats" with a donation, individuals are encouraged to visit the dedicated fundraising page: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/everycat-health-foundation/joey-luthman-ride-for-cats. Every donation, regardless of size, contributes directly to a future where fewer cats and their families experience the heartbreak of CKD and cancer, ensuring happier and healthier lives for feline companions around the world.