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

March 2, 2026 – The EveryCat Health Foundation today announced the launch of its 2026 "Springing into Action" campaign, a pivotal initiative aimed at galvanizing support for feline health research. Central to this campaign is the introduction of a significant new funding stream: The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies. This fund, established by Kara Burns, Vice Chair of EveryCat Health Foundation’s Board, stands as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their feline companions, created in profound honor and memory of her beloved cat, O’Malley. The fund is poised to channel critical resources towards understanding, treating, and ultimately curing some of the most pervasive and challenging endocrine disorders affecting cats globally.

The EveryCat Health Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of all cats through research and education, consistently champions initiatives that address pressing veterinary challenges. The "Springing into Action" campaign annually rallies donors and advocates to support a diverse portfolio of research projects. This year, the addition of The O’Malley Fund underscores a concentrated effort to tackle feline diabetes mellitus (DM) and other complex endocrinopathies, conditions that significantly impact the quality of life for millions of cats and their owners worldwide.

The Inspiration: O’Malley’s Enduring Legacy

At the heart of this new endeavor is the touching narrative of O’Malley, whose life story exemplifies resilience, affection, and the profound impact a cat can have on a family. Kara Burns’s tribute to O’Malley provides not only the emotional bedrock for the fund but also a poignant illustration of the very diseases it seeks to combat.

O’Malley’s journey began precariously as a four-week-old feral kitten, discovered abandoned on the shoulder of a bustling highway. Malnourished and diminutive, he was, as Burns recounts, a "furry ball full of spit and hiss," yet brimming with an undeniable spirit. His distinctive "snowshoe" markings—dark ears, face, and tail contrasting sharply with white fur and paws—made him unique. Despite his challenging start, his fighting spirit quickly endeared him to his rescuers.

With diligent care and boundless patience, O’Malley was nursed back to health. His initial defiance gradually softened, and within weeks, he integrated seamlessly into the family’s existing "clowder" of cats. His adopted name, O’Malley the Alley Cat, was a playful nod to the charismatic feline protagonist from Disney’s "The Aristocats," a beloved movie among Burns’s children. True to his namesake, O’Malley developed a memorable presence and a distinctive swagger that charmed everyone he met.

O’Malley possessed a remarkably expressive personality and an immense capacity for love. He was known for his vocalizations, often engaging in "conversations" with his family, and particularly enjoyed cuddling and "holding paws." His favorite place was invariably close to his humans, often nestled on a lap. One of his most endearing quirks was the "stop, drop, and roll" maneuver, especially whenever the family was making the bed. O’Malley seemingly believed fresh sheets were an invitation solely for him. Upon seeing someone making the bed, he would halt, drop to the floor, and enthusiastically roll over, a playful antic that became a source of endless amusement. The origins of this unique habit remained a mystery, playfully attributed by the family to "fire safety practice." A truly vocal companion, O’Malley would even "sing" along to playful songs invented about his goofy antics, meowing on cue for his turn.

At the age of 11, O’Malley received a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). As his condition progressed, he was subsequently found to be insulin resistant due to hypersomatotropism, more commonly known as acromegaly—a complex endocrine disorder. Despite the escalating health challenges and the inevitable decline, O’Malley’s love for his family, and their love for him, remained steadfast. His comfort continued to be found nestled between loved ones or basking in the warmth of the sun on a welcoming lap. O’Malley’s legacy, therefore, is one of unwavering affection, remarkable resilience, and the sheer joy he brought into their lives—a spirit that profoundly endures.

The Urgent Need: Addressing Feline Diabetes Mellitus and Endocrinopathies

The O’Malley Fund is specifically dedicated to confronting diabetes mellitus and other endocrinopathies, a category of diseases that represent a significant and growing concern in veterinary medicine. Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from either insufficient insulin production or the body’s cells not responding properly to insulin, is one of the most frequently diagnosed endocrine conditions in cats. Its incidence continues to climb, paralleling trends seen in human populations.

A Century of Progress, A Future of Hope:
The history of diabetes treatment marks a monumental achievement in medical science. Over a century ago, a groundbreaking discovery by a team of Canadian medical researchers isolated insulin, a hormone critical for blood sugar regulation. Prior to this revelation, diabetes was a universally feared and fatal diagnosis, an untreatable group of diseases leading to severe sugar dysregulation and a cascade of devastating health consequences. The discovery of insulin in the early 1920s revolutionized human medicine, making the hormone available globally within two years and saving countless lives.

The benefits of insulin quickly extended beyond human patients. Evidence suggests that feline cases of diabetes were recognized and treated with insulin shortly after its discovery in the 1920s, with references to DM management in animals dating back to the 1940s. While treatment options for cats have advanced significantly over the decades, particularly in recent times, a cure for this devastating disease—for either humans or pets—remains elusive after more than a century of research. This persistent challenge underscores the critical need for continued, targeted funding.

The Complexities of Feline Diabetes:
The underlying causes of feline diabetes are multifaceted and intricate. A substantial majority of cases, approximately 75% to 80%, share similar origins with human type 2 diabetes mellitus, often influenced by lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of activity. The remaining 20% to 25% of cases develop secondarily to other conditions that induce insulin resistance, such as hypersomatotropism (acromegaly), pancreatitis, or prolonged use of certain medications like corticosteroids. This complexity often demands meticulous adjustments in both therapeutic and management strategies, making research into underlying mechanisms crucial.

Acromegaly: A Silent Contributor:
O’Malley’s diagnosis of hypersomatotropism, or acromegaly, highlights a particularly challenging aspect of feline endocrinopathies. Acromegaly in cats is typically caused by a benign tumor of the pituitary gland, which produces an excess of growth hormone. This excess growth hormone leads to widespread effects throughout the body, including severe insulin resistance, making diabetes mellitus extremely difficult to control with standard insulin therapy. It can also cause other clinical signs such as enlargement of various organs, characteristic facial changes, and neurological symptoms. Diagnosis can be challenging, and treatment options, which may include surgery, radiation, or medication, are complex and not always readily available or successful. Research into better diagnostic tools and more effective treatments for acromegaly is vital to improve outcomes for affected cats.

Prevalence and Impact:
Feline DM tends to occur more frequently in middle-aged to senior cats, typically over the age of seven, and is notably more common in males than in females. The primary clinical signs—increased thirst (polydipsia), increased urination (polyuria), weight loss despite an increased appetite (polyphagia)—are often subtle initially, making early diagnosis challenging for owners. If left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening metabolic emergency.

The management of feline diabetes is a significant long-term commitment, both emotionally and financially, for pet owners. It necessitates a close partnership between the owner and the veterinary healthcare team, often involving daily insulin injections, strict dietary management, regular blood glucose monitoring, and frequent veterinary visits. The financial burden for a cat with DM can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars annually for insulin, syringes, specialized food, and veterinary consultations, creating a substantial strain on family budgets. Beyond the financial aspect, the emotional toll of managing a chronically ill pet, coupled with the constant vigilance required, can be considerable. Improved research leading to more effective treatments, easier management protocols, or even a cure, would drastically alleviate these burdens.

Goals of The O’Malley Fund:
The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies will directly support cutting-edge research projects focused on:

1. Understanding Etiology: Investigating the genetic, environmental, and physiological factors that contribute to the development of feline diabetes and other endocrine disorders.
2. Improved Diagnostics: Developing more accurate, accessible, and earlier diagnostic tools for conditions like diabetes mellitus and acromegaly, allowing for timely intervention.
3. Novel Therapies: Exploring new therapeutic approaches beyond conventional insulin therapy, including innovative medications, dietary strategies, and potentially gene therapies that could offer better disease control or even remission.
4. Managing Complications: Researching methods to prevent and manage complications associated with endocrine diseases, such as hypoglycemia, ketosis, and the specific challenges posed by insulin resistance in conditions like acromegaly.
5. Translational Research: Identifying parallels between feline and human diabetes, fostering cross-species research that could benefit both cats and people living with these conditions, particularly Type 2 diabetes.

Statements and Reactions:
Kara Burns, the visionary behind The O’Malley Fund, expressed her profound hope for its impact. "O’Malley was more than just a pet; he was family. Witnessing his struggle with diabetes and acromegaly, and the dedication required for his care, truly opened my eyes to the immense need for more targeted research in this area," Burns stated. "This fund is a living tribute to his spirit and a beacon of hope for countless other cats and their families facing similar battles. My deepest wish is that through O’Malley’s legacy, we can accelerate discoveries that lead to better treatments, and ultimately, a cure for these challenging diseases."

A spokesperson for the EveryCat Health Foundation reiterated the organization’s commitment. "The launch of The O’Malley Fund during our ‘Springing into Action’ campaign perfectly embodies EveryCat’s mission," they remarked. "We are incredibly grateful to Kara Burns for her passion and dedication. This fund represents a significant step forward in our efforts to address feline diabetes and endocrinopathies, areas where breakthroughs could dramatically enhance the lives of millions of cats. Our goal is to empower researchers with the resources needed to unravel the complexities of these conditions and translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions for veterinary practitioners and pet owners."

Veterinary endocrinologists also voiced their support for such a specialized fund. Dr. Sarah J. Peterson, a board-certified feline internal medicine specialist not directly affiliated with EveryCat, commented, "Endocrine disorders, especially diabetes and acromegaly, present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in feline medicine. Funds like O’Malley’s are absolutely vital. They allow researchers to delve deeper into the pathophysiology of these diseases, explore novel treatment modalities, and ultimately improve the prognosis and quality of life for our feline patients. Every new piece of research funded moves us closer to a future where these conditions are not only manageable but potentially curable."

Broader Impact and Implications:
The establishment of The O’Malley Fund holds significant implications for the future of feline health and beyond. By focusing specifically on diabetes and endocrinopathies, EveryCat Health Foundation is targeting conditions that are not only prevalent but also exceptionally complex. The insights gained from feline research into Type 2 diabetes, for instance, could offer valuable translational knowledge that informs human medicine, given the shared physiological mechanisms and lifestyle components. This aligns with the "One Health" concept, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Furthermore, increasing funding for feline-specific research encourages more veterinary scientists to specialize in these challenging areas, fostering a new generation of experts dedicated to advancing feline endocrinology. The ripple effect of such investment extends to improved veterinary education, enhanced clinical practice guidelines, and ultimately, a higher standard of care for cats worldwide.

Call to Action:
EveryCat Health Foundation invites all cat lovers, veterinary professionals, and philanthropists to contribute to The O’Malley Fund for Diabetes and Endocrinopathies. Donations can be made directly through the EveryCat Health Foundation website, with details provided HERE. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in empowering research that can transform the lives of cats affected by these debilitating conditions.

The launch of The O’Malley Fund represents more than just a new financial initiative; it is a profound commitment to leveraging the power of scientific inquiry inspired by the love for a single, unforgettable cat. As the "Springing into Action" campaign unfolds, EveryCat Health Foundation, through the legacy of O’Malley, aims to usher in an era of greater understanding and improved health outcomes for felines everywhere.

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.