The Bria Fund: Two Decades of Pioneering Feline Infectious Peritonitis Research and Advocacy

On November 18, 2025, the Bria Fund for FIP Research marks its momentous 20th anniversary, commemorating two decades of unwavering dedication to transforming the landscape of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a disease once considered an almost invariably fatal affliction for cats. Founded by Susan Gingrich in memory of her cherished Birman cat, Brianna Jamie (Bria), the fund, initially established under the Winn Feline Foundation and now a cornerstone initiative of the EveryCat Health Foundation, has been instrumental in galvanizing global research efforts, fostering unprecedented scientific breakthroughs, and shifting the narrative from despair to profound hope for countless felines and their guardians worldwide.

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

The impetus for the Bria Fund stemmed from a deeply personal tragedy. On April 19, 2005, Susan Gingrich and her husband, Jim Shurskis, faced the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye to their nine-month-old Birman, Bria, diagnosed with what their veterinarian identified as wet FIP. The experience was profoundly traumatic, marked by fear, helplessness, and an overwhelming sense of isolation. At the time, knowledge of FIP was limited among the general public, and even within the veterinary community, treatment options were virtually nonexistent, leaving pet owners with little recourse but palliative care. Bria, exhibiting a fierce will to live, fought for an additional four months before succumbing to the disease. It was at her burial that Susan Gingrich made a solemn vow: Bria’s short life would not be forgotten, and her passing would serve as a catalyst for change. This promise became the founding principle of the Bria Fund for FIP Research.

FIP: A Historically Fatal Feline Disease

To fully appreciate the impact of the Bria Fund, it is crucial to understand the devastating nature of Feline Infectious Peritonitis prior to the advancements spurred by dedicated research. FIP is a complex and often fatal disease of cats caused by certain strains of feline coronavirus (FCoV). While most FCoV infections are asymptomatic or cause mild gastrointestinal signs, in a small percentage of infected cats, the virus mutates into a virulent form that triggers an aggressive immune-mediated inflammatory response, leading to FIP. The disease typically manifests in two main forms: effusive (wet) FIP, characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, and non-effusive (dry) FIP, which involves granulomatous lesions on internal organs.

Historically, FIP carried an almost universally grave prognosis. Diagnosis was challenging, often relying on clinical signs and ruling out other conditions, with definitive diagnosis sometimes only possible post-mortem. Once diagnosed, the progression of the disease was rapid, and veterinarians could offer little beyond supportive care to manage symptoms. Survival rates were negligible, often measured in weeks or a few months at best. This grim reality meant that for generations of cat owners, an FIP diagnosis was a death sentence, leading to immense emotional distress and a pervasive sense of hopelessness within the feline community. The lack of effective treatments also meant limited interest from pharmaceutical companies, leaving research primarily to academic institutions and relying heavily on philanthropic support.

Formalizing the Vision: The Bria Fund’s Inception

Driven by her commitment to Bria’s memory, Susan Gingrich channeled her grief into action. In July 2005, just three months after Bria’s passing, she submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Winn Feline Foundation (now EveryCat Health Foundation), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing feline health through research and education. Her proposal outlined the critical need for dedicated FIP research funding and proposed the creation of a specialized fund. The initiative quickly gained traction. Shortly after submission, Ms. Gingrich was invited to an executive meeting of the Winn Feline Foundation in Pittsburgh, PA, to discuss her innovative ideas and vision.

The meeting proved pivotal. On November 7, 2005, Ms. Gingrich received official notification that the Winn Feline Foundation had agreed to establish the Bria Fund as a stipulated donation vehicle. This crucial designation meant that all donations directed to the Bria Fund would be exclusively earmarked for FIP research, ensuring that every dollar contributed directly fueled scientific inquiry into the disease. The official public announcement of the Bria Fund occurred on November 18, 2005, at an international cat show held in Foster City, California. This announcement marked the formal launch of a global effort that would fundamentally alter the trajectory of FIP research.

Building a Global Community: From Yahoo Groups to FIP Fighters

While awaiting the Winn Feline Foundation’s decision, Susan Gingrich discovered she was not alone in her experience. Her search for understanding and support led her to online communities where countless others shared similar heartbreaking stories of cats lost to suspected FIP. She found a nascent FIP help group on Yahoo, called FIP Cat Support, which served as a vital, albeit limited, forum for shared experiences. Recognizing the need for a more accessible and dynamic platform, Ms. Gingrich, with the assistance of the Yahoo group’s moderator and a few other dedicated individuals, co-founded the FIP Fighters’ Group on Facebook. This early social media initiative quickly blossomed into a powerful network of "FIP sisters"—a term of endearment for the community of cat guardians united by their shared experiences and collective determination to combat FIP.

The establishment of these online communities was crucial in fostering a sense of solidarity and providing emotional support to those grappling with FIP. More importantly, it created a grassroots advocacy network that would prove invaluable for raising awareness and funds. Once the Bria Fund was established and aligned with Winn, Ms. Gingrich gained access to a network of knowledgeable veterinarians and researchers, significantly accelerating her "learning curve" about the complex disease. She diligently shared this newfound knowledge with the growing FIP community. Among her most significant mentors was Dr. Niels Pedersen, a distinguished veterinary scientist often referred to as the "Father of FIP Research." Dr. Pedersen, renowned for his pioneering work in feline infectious diseases, provided immense guidance and support, educating Ms. Gingrich and many others, and lending his scientific credibility to the burgeoning movement. His mentorship was a testament to the collaborative spirit that began to define FIP research and advocacy.

Early Challenges and Growing Momentum in Funding Research

In its nascent stages, raising money for FIP research presented substantial challenges. The prevailing sentiment was one of resignation; FIP was widely perceived as an untreatable death sentence, leading many potential donors to question the utility of funding research for a disease with such a bleak prognosis. This skepticism was a significant hurdle, but Ms. Gingrich’s unwavering belief in Bria’s purpose and the fund’s mission sustained the effort. She often attributes the Bria Fund’s eventual success to a higher blessing, emphasizing the profound impact of collective faith and determination.

Through the tireless efforts of the small core of "FIP sisters" and the expanding reach of social media, awareness of the Bria Fund steadily grew. These early advocates shared Bria’s story, disseminated information about FIP, and championed the cause, transforming individual grief into collective action. A significant turning point came with Ms. Gingrich’s attendance at her first Winn FIP Symposium, held during the annual Cat Fancier’s Association’s Conference in Virginia. This event provided a critical platform for networking and collaboration. There, she met some of her "FIP sisters" in person, solidifying their bond and commitment. Crucially, she also met Dr. Vicki Thayer, who would become one of her staunchest supporters and, later, the Executive Director of the Winn Feline Foundation. The symposium not only offered an excellent program of scientific presentations but also served as an invaluable opportunity for Ms. Gingrich and her sisters to strategize on advancing the coffers of the Bria Fund. As word of the fund’s mission and the dedication of its supporters spread, donations began to increase. Within a couple of years of its inception, the Bria Fund proudly announced its first funded research project, marking a tangible step forward in the fight against FIP.

A Decade of Dedication: Personal Sacrifice and Public Recognition

The growth and success of the Bria Fund were built on immense personal sacrifice. For many years, Susan Gingrich balanced a full-time professional career with her relentless work for the Bria Fund, which she lovingly referred to as her "true labor of love." Her evenings were often spent working until midnight, coordinating efforts, managing communications, and driving fundraising initiatives. Weekends, vacations, and personal time for both Susan and Jim were largely dedicated to attending cat shows and other events, where they tirelessly educated the public about FIP and raised money for the Bria Fund. Ms. Gingrich personally covered all travel, hotel expenses, items for donations, and other operational costs, ensuring that 100% of all donations directly benefited FIP research. This extraordinary commitment underscored the deeply personal nature of her mission.

After Ms. Gingrich and her husband retired in 2015, Dr. Vicki Thayer, then the Executive Director of the Winn Feline Foundation, recognized the unsustainable nature of Ms. Gingrich’s self-funded efforts and authorized Winn to reimburse her for some of her accumulated expenses, a testament to the organization’s appreciation for her unparalleled dedication.

Beyond direct fundraising, Ms. Gingrich also championed broader FIP awareness initiatives. Her original proposal to Winn included the creation of an "FIP Awareness Week" to coincide with Bria’s passing on April 19th. While an entire week-long observance didn’t materialize as initially envisioned, a significant milestone was achieved on the 10th anniversary of the Bria Fund. On November 18, 2015, Congressman Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee, recognizing the fund’s profound impact and Ms. Gingrich’s tireless advocacy, 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 declaration resonated deeply with Bria Fund supporters around the world, who adopted it as their own. This day also served as a somber recognition of all the precious cats lost to FIP and a tribute to the devoted people who loved them.

Breakthroughs on the Horizon: The Evolving Landscape of FIP Research

The landscape of FIP research has undergone a revolutionary transformation in the two decades since the Bria Fund’s inception. What was once a field with limited interest and even fewer resources has blossomed into an area of vibrant scientific inquiry. The EveryCat Health Foundation, the successor to the Winn Feline Foundation, now actively shares progress reports from Bria Fund-supported research, providing a centralized hub for updates and discoveries.

A critical turning point in FIP research, significantly bolstered by the foundational work funded by initiatives like the Bria Fund, came with the development of antiviral compounds. Researchers, building on decades of understanding the feline coronavirus, began exploring nucleoside analog antivirals. The compound GS-441524, a precursor to the human antiviral remdesivir, emerged as a highly promising candidate. Initial studies, often supported by early funding from organizations like the Bria Fund, demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating FIP, even in cases previously considered untreatable. These compounds directly inhibit viral replication, effectively halting the disease’s progression.

Today, thanks to these breakthroughs, FIP is no longer considered a universally fatal disease. Treatments using GS-441524 and similar antivirals, while still needing regulatory approval in many regions, have shown success rates exceeding 80-90% in clinical settings. This incredible progress has shifted the focus from merely understanding the disease to actively curing it, offering a lifeline to thousands of cats previously condemned to death.

The Transformative Impact: From Despair to Definitive Treatment

The Bria Fund’s two-decade journey has had a transformative impact on feline health globally. What began as a personal quest for meaning has evolved into a powerful engine for scientific progress and advocacy.

• Saving Lives: The most significant implication is the dramatic increase in survival rates for FIP-diagnosed cats. Where once there was only palliative care, there is now definitive treatment, saving countless feline lives and alleviating immense suffering for their families.
• Advancing Veterinary Medicine: The research funded by the Bria Fund has deepened the scientific understanding of coronaviruses and immune responses, with potential broader implications for antiviral therapies in both veterinary and human medicine. It has elevated FIP from a diagnostic curiosity to a treatable condition within the veterinary profession.
• Empowering Pet Owners: The Bria Fund, through its educational efforts and support for community groups, has empowered pet owners with knowledge and resources, fostering a sense of agency and hope where once there was only despair.
• Model for Advocacy: Susan Gingrich’s journey stands as a powerful testament to how a single individual, driven by personal experience and sustained by community support, can initiate and sustain a global movement for change, providing a model for patient-driven advocacy in animal health.
• Global Collaboration: The fund has fostered international collaboration among researchers, veterinarians, and cat owners, creating a unified front against a complex disease.

The Road Ahead: Continuing the Fight for FIP Eradication

While tremendous progress has been made, the fight against FIP is not yet over. As Susan Gingrich aptly notes, "No, the total puzzle still isn’t solved, and we can’t prevent it yet, but we aren’t done!" The current challenge is not a lack of interested researchers, but rather a lack of sufficient funding to support all credible scientific inquiries. The focus now extends beyond treatment to comprehensive eradication, encompassing:

• Prevention Strategies: Developing effective vaccines against FCoV or strategies to prevent the mutation of FCoV into the virulent FIP-causing strain remains a critical long-term goal.
• Early Diagnosis: Refining diagnostic tools for earlier and more accurate FIP detection, especially in its non-effusive forms, is crucial for timely intervention.
• Accessibility of Treatment: Ensuring that effective antiviral treatments are affordable and widely accessible to all cat owners globally, regardless of their economic circumstances or geographical location, is an ongoing challenge.
• Understanding Recurrence and Resistance: Continued research into potential treatment resistance and managing relapses is vital for sustained success.

The EveryCat Health Foundation, upholding the legacy of the Bria Fund, continues to solicit donations to support these ongoing research endeavors. The vision remains clear: a future where FIP is not just treatable, but entirely eliminated.

A Legacy Endures: Bria’s Enduring Spirit

Reflecting on the past 20 years, Susan Gingrich sees a mosaic of faces—individuals who offered invaluable help, support, and friendship. Some remain in contact, some have moved on, and some, including their beloved FIP warriors, have crossed the rainbow bridge. Her desktop, filled with photos of cats lost to FIP, those living with it, and the growing number of FIP survivors, serves as a poignant reminder of the journey. At 77, Ms. Gingrich remains sharp and healthy, a testament to her enduring spirit and commitment.

She firmly believes she has kept her promise to Bria, imagining her spirited Birman in Heaven, greeting newcomers with a playful, "Hi, I’m Bria, you know, that Bria." The Gingrich-Shurskis household itself continues to embody the spirit of resilience and love for felines. Their current Birman, Cassandraa Brie (Cassie), now 20 years old, faces her own health battles with Third Stage Renal Failure, HCM, mild IBD, and cognitive issues. Yet, Cassie, much like Bria, remains feisty and bossy, proving that the spirit of these remarkable cats endures. Susan Gingrich’s prayer is for Cassie to stay with her much longer, but also acknowledges that Cassie, like Bria, will leave on her own terms, ready to give Bria some "competition as leader" in the afterlife. The Bria Fund, born from love and loss, stands as a monumental legacy, a beacon of hope illuminating the path toward a future free from Feline Infectious Peritonitis.

About the Founder:

Susan E. Gingrich MHS., is a Commonwealth of PA retiree, humorously referring to herself as a "recovering bureaucrat" and a proud, former public servant. She is a freelance writer and Christian activist. Currently residing in Loudon, TN, with her senior Birman cat, Cassie, Ms. Gingrich is planning a return to Pennsylvania to be closer to family and friends.