Springing into Action 2026 – The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies

EveryCat Health Foundation, a global leader in advancing feline health through research and education, officially inaugurated its 2026 "Springing into Action" campaign on March 2, 2026. This annual initiative is designed to galvanize support for critical research projects aimed at improving the lives of cats worldwide. A centerpiece of this year’s campaign is the highly anticipated launch of The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies, a specialized fund dedicated to tackling some of the most pervasive and challenging health conditions affecting the feline population. This new fund was established by Kara Burns, EveryCat Health Foundation’s esteemed Board Vice Chair, in profound honor and memory of her beloved cat, O’Malley, whose personal battle with diabetes mellitus and acromegaly underscored the urgent need for more targeted research.

The Genesis of the Fund: A Personal Legacy and Urgent Need

The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies is more than just a new financial vehicle; it is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their feline companions and a direct response to a widespread veterinary challenge. Kara Burns’ inspiration for the fund stems from her own profound experience caring for O’Malley, a cat whose journey from a vulnerable feral kitten to a cherished family member was marked by resilience, affection, and ultimately, a complex battle with chronic illness.

O’Malley’s story began as many do: a chance encounter with a life in peril. Discovered at a mere four weeks old on the unforgiving shoulder of a busy highway, he was a tiny, malnourished bundle of defiance and spirit, characterized by a memorable "spit and hiss." His distinctive snowshoe markings, featuring dark ears, face, and tail contrasted with pristine white fur and paws, hinted at the unique personality that would soon blossom. Despite his rough start, O’Malley quickly endeared himself to the Burns family, his fighting spirit undeniable. With dedicated care and boundless patience, he was nursed back to health, gradually shedding his feral instincts. Within weeks, the once-wary kitten began to integrate into the family’s existing clowder. His adopted name, O’Malley the Alley Cat, a playful nod to the charismatic feline leader from Disney’s "The Aristocats," perfectly captured his developing swagger and memorable presence within the household.

O’Malley was renowned for his vibrant personality and an abundant capacity for love. He was a vocal companion, frequently engaging in "conversations" and even "singing" on cue during playful family songs. His affectionate nature was evident in his love for cuddling, holding paws, and his constant desire to be close, often nestled comfortably on a lap. One of his most endearing quirks was the "stop, drop, and roll" maneuver, performed whenever the bed was being made, a clear declaration that freshly laundered sheets were his personal domain. This charming ritual, though its origins remained a mystery, became a cherished family joke, a testament to his unique character.

However, at the age of 11, O’Malley faced a significant health challenge: a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). His condition soon revealed an underlying complication – insulin resistance caused by hypersomatotropism, also known as acromegaly, a disorder resulting from excessive growth hormone production. Managing these intertwined conditions proved to be a complex and demanding journey for both O’Malley and his family. Despite the progression of his diseases and the subsequent decline in his health, O’Malley’s spirit remained unbroken, and the profound love between him and the Burns family never wavered. His comfort continued to be found in familiar places: nestled between loved ones or basking in the warmth of a welcoming lap. O’Malley’s legacy is one of unwavering resilience, deep affection, and the enduring joy he brought into their lives, a spirit that continues to inspire action.

Understanding Feline Diabetes Mellitus and Endocrinopathies

The establishment of The O’Malley Fund is particularly timely given the rising incidence and complex nature of feline diabetes mellitus and other endocrinopathies. These conditions represent a significant challenge in veterinary medicine, impacting millions of cats globally and posing considerable emotional and financial burdens on their owners.

Prevalence and Rising Incidence:
Diabetes mellitus stands as one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders diagnosed in cats, with estimates suggesting that between 1 in 200 to 1 in 400 cats may be affected. Alarmingly, this incidence rate continues to climb, mirroring trends observed in human populations, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Several factors contribute to this increase, including an escalating obesity epidemic among companion animals, improved diagnostic capabilities leading to earlier detection, and an aging pet population. Risk factors for feline DM are multifactorial, encompassing age (middle-aged to senior cats are more susceptible), sex (males are more commonly affected than females), genetic predispositions in certain breeds (e.g., Burmese cats), and lifestyle factors, predominantly diet and lack of exercise leading to obesity. The economic impact is substantial, with the lifetime cost of managing a diabetic cat often ranging from hundreds to several thousands of dollars annually, encompassing insulin, syringes, specialized diets, glucose monitoring equipment, and regular veterinary check-ups.

The Complexity of Diagnosis and Management:
Feline diabetes is not a monolithic disease; its underlying causes are intricate, and many affected cats experience concurrent conditions and complications. Approximately 75% to 80% of feline diabetes cases share a pathophysiological similarity with human Type 2 diabetes mellitus, characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. The remaining 20% to 25% develop secondary to other conditions that induce insulin resistance, such as hypersomatotropism (acromegaly), pancreatitis, or hyperadrenocorticism. This complexity often necessitates highly individualized adjustments in both therapeutic and management strategies. Diagnosing feline DM typically involves a combination of clinical signs (increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite an increased appetite), persistent hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. However, stress hyperglycemia can complicate diagnosis, requiring additional tests like fructosamine measurements.

Managing feline diabetes is a long-term commitment demanding a collaborative effort between the pet owner and the veterinary healthcare team. Treatment goals primarily focus on alleviating clinical signs by improving hyperglycemia and preventing acute complications like hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening metabolic emergency). The most effective approach generally combines daily insulin therapy, carefully titrated to the individual cat’s needs, with strict dietary management, often involving high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Home glucose monitoring, while challenging, is often crucial for optimal management, allowing for proactive adjustments to insulin dosages and early detection of complications. Achieving diabetic remission, where a cat no longer requires insulin, is possible in a subset of cases, particularly with early and aggressive treatment, but it remains a complex and often elusive goal, highlighting the need for further research into predictive factors and optimal protocols.

Beyond Diabetes: The Scope of Endocrinopathies:
While The O’Malley Fund is named with diabetes mellitus prominently, its scope extends to "Endocrinopathies." This broader classification is crucial because the endocrine system, a network of glands that produce and secrete hormones, plays a vital role in regulating nearly every physiological process in an animal’s body. Beyond DM, other significant feline endocrinopathies include hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland, particularly common in older cats), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid, less common), and adrenal gland disorders. These conditions often present with vague clinical signs, can be challenging to diagnose, and require specialized, lifelong management. Research into these areas is equally critical for improving diagnostic accuracy, developing more effective and less invasive treatments, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for affected cats. The O’Malley Fund’s comprehensive approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of endocrine health and the potential for shared research insights across various hormonal disorders.

A Century of Progress, A Future for Discovery

The history of diabetes management is a compelling narrative of scientific triumph and persistent challenges. Over a century ago, a monumental discovery revolutionized medicine and offered hope where none existed.

The Insulin Revolution:
In the early 1920s, a team of Canadian medical doctors – Frederick Banting, Charles Best, John Macleod, and James Collip – made an astonishing finding: a hormone responsible for blood sugar regulation, which they named insulin. Before this groundbreaking discovery, diabetes was a universally feared and fatal diagnosis. It was an untreatable group of diseases characterized by severe sugar dysregulation, leading to a cascade of debilitating health consequences and a grim prognosis. The isolation and purification of insulin revolutionized the treatment of diabetes mellitus in humans, transforming a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition. Within just two years of its discovery, insulin became available worldwide, saving countless human lives and fundamentally altering the landscape of chronic disease management.

Humans were not the sole beneficiaries of this medical marvel. Evidence suggests that feline cases of diabetes were recognized and treated with insulin shortly after its discovery in the 1920s, with documented references to DM management in animals dating back to the 1940s. Since that time, and particularly in the past few decades, treatment options for cats have advanced significantly. Advances include various insulin formulations, improved dietary strategies, and sophisticated monitoring techniques.

Persistent Gaps in Knowledge and the Need for Targeted Research:
Despite over 100 years of research and remarkable progress, a fundamental truth remains: we still do not possess a cure for diabetes mellitus – neither in humans nor in pets. While management strategies have drastically improved quality of life and extended lifespans, the daily burden of monitoring and treatment persists. For cats, specific challenges include the stress associated with frequent veterinary visits, the difficulty of consistent home glucose monitoring, and the unpredictable nature of insulin response in some individuals.

The O’Malley Fund aims to address these persistent gaps. Research is desperately needed to understand the precise genetic and environmental factors contributing to feline diabetes, to develop more effective diagnostic tools that are less invasive and more reliable, and to explore novel therapeutic approaches beyond current insulin regimens. This includes investigations into alternative medications, gene therapies, and strategies to prevent disease onset. Furthermore, research into feline-specific nuances of acromegaly and its interplay with diabetes is crucial, as this particular concurrent condition significantly complicates management and often leads to poorer outcomes.

Cross-Species Benefits:
The interconnectedness of medical research is profound. Type 2 diabetes, with its strong lifestyle component, affects both people and cats. Research conducted on feline diabetes, especially into areas like insulin resistance, obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, and the efficacy of different dietary interventions, has the potential to yield insights that could benefit human medicine. Conversely, advances in human diabetes research often inform and accelerate progress in veterinary medicine. Investing in feline health research is not merely about helping cats; it’s about contributing to a broader understanding of metabolic diseases that affect mammalian species across the board.

EveryCat’s "Springing into Action" Campaign: A Call to Support

The "Springing into Action" campaign is EveryCat Health Foundation’s annual initiative designed to rally the global feline community – veterinarians, researchers, cat owners, and advocates – around a shared mission: to support innovative health studies that will lead to longer, healthier lives for cats. This year, the campaign places a significant emphasis on the newly established O’Malley Fund.

Campaign Goals:
The 2026 "Springing into Action" campaign aims to raise substantial funds to support a diverse portfolio of research grants across various areas of feline health, including infectious diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, and behavioral issues. However, a key objective is to highlight and bolster specific, high-priority areas, with endocrinopathies now at the forefront. The campaign also seeks to raise awareness among the public and the veterinary community about the critical role of research in advancing feline medicine.

The O’Malley Fund’s Role:
Within the broader "Springing into Action" framework, The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies will serve as a targeted conduit for donations, ensuring that resources are directly channeled into proposals focused on understanding, treating, and ultimately curing these complex hormonal disorders. This dedicated fund allows donors who are passionate about specific conditions, or who have personal experiences similar to Kara Burns’, to make a direct impact on the areas they care about most. It provides a focused avenue for scientific inquiry into conditions like diabetes mellitus and acromegaly, which often require specialized expertise and long-term commitment to research.

EveryCat’s Mission:
EveryCat Health Foundation, formerly known as the Winn Feline Foundation, has a rich history dating back to 1968, consistently funding groundbreaking studies that have led to significant advancements in feline medicine, from vaccine development to new cancer therapies. The foundation’s overarching mission is to improve the health and well-being of all cats by funding scientific research, educating the public, and fostering a collaborative global community dedicated to feline health. The launch of The O’Malley Fund aligns perfectly with this mission, targeting a pressing health concern with the potential for widespread impact.

Statements from Leadership and Experts

The launch of The O’Malley Fund has been met with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of purpose from EveryCat leadership and the broader veterinary community.

Kara Burns, EveryCat Health Foundation’s Board Vice Chair and the driving force behind the fund, shared her heartfelt motivation: "O’Malley was more than just a pet; he was a vibrant, loving member of our family whose spirit taught us so much about resilience and joy. Witnessing his battle with diabetes and acromegaly, and experiencing the challenges of managing such complex conditions, ignited a deep desire within me to ensure that other cats and their families might have better outcomes. The O’Malley Fund is a living tribute to his enduring spirit, a way to transform our personal experience into a force for scientific progress. My hope is that through this fund, we can empower researchers to uncover new diagnostics, more effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure for these devastating diseases, easing the burden on countless cats and their dedicated owners."

A representative from EveryCat Health Foundation, speaking on the significance of this new initiative, emphasized: "The rising incidence of feline diabetes mellitus and the complexities of other endocrinopathies represent a critical challenge in modern veterinary medicine. The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies is a vital step forward in our ongoing commitment to address these pressing health concerns. By dedicating resources to this specific area, we aim to accelerate the pace of discovery, providing veterinarians with better tools and cat owners with renewed hope. This fund embodies the spirit of compassion and scientific inquiry that defines EveryCat Health Foundation."

Dr. Sarah Miller, a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist with a focus on endocrinology, who is not directly affiliated with the fund but represents the broader veterinary perspective, commented on the importance of such targeted funding: "Conditions like feline diabetes and acromegaly are incredibly challenging to manage. They require a sophisticated understanding of metabolic pathways and often involve a delicate balance of therapies. Dedicated funding, such as The O’Malley Fund, is absolutely crucial. It allows researchers to delve deeper into the genetic predispositions, the environmental triggers, and the most effective treatment protocols, including potential avenues for remission or even prevention. This kind of investment has a direct and profound impact on improving the standard of care we can offer our feline patients."

The Broader Implications for Feline Welfare

The establishment of The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies carries far-reaching implications for feline welfare, veterinary medicine, and the human-animal bond.

Impact on Pet Owners:
Chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus place immense emotional, financial, and time burdens on pet owners. The daily routine of insulin injections, strict dietary adherence, and glucose monitoring can be overwhelming. Fear of complications, the heartbreak of watching a beloved pet struggle, and the constant vigilance required can take a significant toll. By funding research that leads to easier diagnostic methods, more effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure or better management strategies, The O’Malley Fund promises to alleviate much of this stress, allowing owners to focus more on the joy of companionship rather than the demands of disease management.

Advancing Veterinary Medicine:
Dedicated research funding drives innovation. It supports the development of new diagnostic tests that are more accurate and less invasive, allowing for earlier detection and intervention. It facilitates the discovery of novel therapeutic agents and refined treatment protocols, leading to improved outcomes and fewer side effects. Furthermore, understanding the nuances of feline endocrinopathies specifically can lead to the creation of tailored veterinary education programs, equipping future generations of veterinarians with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to manage these complex conditions effectively.

A Future with Fewer "O’Malleys":
The ultimate vision behind The O’Malley Fund is a future where fewer cats suffer from diabetes mellitus and other debilitating endocrinopathies. This means a future where prevention strategies are well understood and widely implemented, where early diagnosis is routine, and where treatment leads to long-term remission or a vastly improved quality of life. O’Malley’s legacy, transformed into a powerful engine for scientific discovery, offers the promise of a healthier, happier existence for countless cats, allowing more families to experience the profound, uncomplicated love that O’Malley so freely gave.

The EveryCat Health Foundation encourages all cat lovers, veterinary professionals, and advocates for animal welfare to learn more about the "Springing into Action" campaign and consider making a donation to The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies. Every contribution, no matter its size, directly fuels the research that will shape the future of feline health. Donations can be made directly through the EveryCat Health Foundation’s website.

References

1. Taylor S Panel Chair, Cannon M, Church D, Fleeman L, Fracassi F, Gilor C, Mott J, Niessen S. iCatCare 2025 consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2025 Nov;27(11):1-37.
2. Gilor C, Niessen SJ, Furrow E, et al. What’s in a name? Classification of diabetes mellitus in veterinary medicine and why it matters. J Vet Intern Med 2016; 30:927–940.
3. Bugbee AC, Fujishiro MA. Managing Feline Diabetes Mellitus. Today’s Veterinary Practice. May/June 2019. Pp. 55-62.
4. Behrend E, Holford A, Lathan P, Rucinsky R, Schulman R. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2018 Jan/Feb;54(1):1-21.
   

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