The Bria Fund: Two Decades of Pioneering FIP Research Transforms Feline Health

November 18, 2025, marks the poignant 20th anniversary of the Bria Fund for FIP Research, a philanthropic initiative born from profound personal loss and dedicated to eradicating Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a once universally fatal disease in cats. Founded by Susan Gingrich, the fund has been a cornerstone in transforming the landscape of feline health, shifting FIP from a death sentence to a treatable condition through sustained advocacy and crucial research funding. This milestone not only celebrates two decades of dedicated effort but also underscores the remarkable progress achieved in understanding and combating a complex feline illness, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of individuals like Gingrich and the scientific community she helped mobilize.

A Personal Tragedy Ignites a Global Mission

The genesis of the Bria Fund is rooted in a deeply personal tragedy. On April 19, 2005, Susan Gingrich and her husband, Jim Shurskis, faced the agonizing loss of their beloved nine-month-old Birman cat, Brianna Jamie, affectionately known as Bria. Diagnosed with the aggressive "wet" form of FIP, Bria’s struggle was marked by the then-prevalent despair associated with the disease. The couple encountered a grim reality: FIP was widely considered incurable, leaving pet owners and veterinarians with limited options and immense emotional distress. The traumatic experience of witnessing Bria’s valiant, four-month battle before her eventual passing galvanized Gingrich. At Bria’s burial, she made a solemn vow: Bria’s short life would not be forgotten, and her memory would serve as the impetus for a concerted effort to conquer FIP. This promise laid the foundation for what would become the Bria Fund for FIP Research.

• Understanding Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): A Historical Perspective

  To fully appreciate the Bria Fund’s impact, it is essential to understand the devastating nature of FIP prior to significant research breakthroughs. Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a complex and often fatal disease caused by certain strains of feline coronavirus (FCoV). While most FCoV infections are asymptomatic or cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, in a subset of infected cats, the virus mutates into a virulent form that leads to FIP. This mutation triggers a severe inflammatory reaction, primarily affecting the abdomen, chest, brain, and other organs. Historically, FIP manifested in two main forms: the "wet" or effusive form, characterized by fluid accumulation in body cavities (as Bria experienced), and the "dry" or non-effusive form, which involves granulomatous lesions on organs. Both forms were almost universally fatal, with survival rates rarely exceeding a few weeks or months post-diagnosis. Diagnosis itself was challenging, often requiring invasive biopsies or post-mortem examination, further adding to the frustration and helplessness felt by veterinarians and cat owners. For decades, FIP was considered one of the most mysterious and heartbreaking diseases in feline medicine, with no effective treatments or preventive measures available. The pervasive sentiment was one of hopelessness, making any attempt to fund research an uphill battle against deeply entrenched pessimism.

  

The Genesis of a Movement: Partnering with Winn Feline Foundation

Inspired by her promise to Bria, Susan Gingrich wasted no time in transforming her grief into action. In July 2005, just months after Bria’s passing, she penned a comprehensive proposal outlining her vision for a dedicated FIP research fund and submitted it to the Winn Feline Foundation, a highly respected non-profit organization committed to advancing feline health through research and education. Her initiative quickly gained traction. Gingrich was invited to a Winn executive meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to elaborate on her ideas and passion. The foundation recognized the urgent need and the compelling drive behind Gingrich’s proposal. On November 7, 2005, Winn Feline Foundation officially agreed to establish the Bria Fund as a stipulated donation vehicle, ensuring that all contributions made to it would be exclusively allocated to FIP research. This pivotal agreement marked the institutional birth of the fund. The public announcement of the Bria Fund’s creation took place on November 18, 2005, at an international cat show in Foster City, California, signaling a new era of focused research efforts against this formidable disease.

• Building a Community: The Power of Early Online Advocacy

  Even before the formal establishment of the Bria Fund, Gingrich’s personal quest led her to discover a burgeoning global community united by the shared experience of FIP. While awaiting Winn’s decision, she connected with numerous individuals worldwide whose cats had succumbed to suspected FIP. This informal network quickly coalesced into organized online support groups. A significant hub was the "FIP Cat Support" group on Yahoo, one of the pioneering online platforms for patient advocacy. Recognizing the need for a more interactive and accessible forum, Gingrich, alongside the Yahoo group’s moderator and several other dedicated individuals, founded the "FIP Fighters’ Group" on Facebook. These early online communities, often referred to by Gingrich as "FIP sisters," provided invaluable emotional support, shared experiences, and became crucial channels for disseminating information and mobilizing collective action. Once Winn Feline Foundation officially endorsed the Bria Fund, these grassroots networks proved instrumental. Gingrich, now equipped with access to knowledgeable veterinarians and researchers, leveraged these platforms to share newly acquired scientific insights with a broad and eager audience, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and affected pet owners. This model of community-driven advocacy, empowered by emerging social media, was groundbreaking for its time, demonstrating the potent impact of collective online action in addressing a previously overlooked disease.

Navigating Early Challenges and Forging Key Alliances

The initial phase of fundraising for FIP research presented considerable challenges. The pervasive belief that FIP was an incurable disease made it difficult to persuade potential donors that their contributions could make a difference. Many questioned the efficacy of investing in research for a condition with such a bleak prognosis. Despite this skepticism, Susan Gingrich’s conviction remained unshaken, driven by her belief in a higher purpose for Bria’s legacy. She attributes the fund’s early growth to a divine blessing and the relentless efforts of the small, dedicated core of "FIP sisters." Through the burgeoning reach of social media, awareness of the Bria Fund gradually expanded beyond its initial network.

Central to the fund’s scientific credibility and direction was the guidance of key figures in feline research. Gingrich found an invaluable mentor in Dr. Niels Pedersen, widely regarded as the "Father of FIP Research." Dr. Pedersen, a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of California, Davis, had dedicated decades to studying FIP and feline coronaviruses. His profound knowledge, coupled with his reputation for kindness and intellectual generosity, immensely contributed to Gingrich’s understanding of the scientific complexities of the disease. His mentorship provided the Bria Fund with critical scientific legitimacy and direction, ensuring that funded projects were scientifically sound and strategically aligned with the goal of finding a cure.

Another staunch supporter emerged in Dr. Vicki Thayer, who would later become the Executive Director of the Winn Feline Foundation. Gingrich first met Dr. Thayer at a Winn FIP Symposium held during the annual Cat Fancier’s Association Conference in Virginia. This event was not only an opportunity for Gingrich to connect in person with some of her "FIP sisters" but also a vital forum for strategic planning to advance the Bria Fund’s coffers. As word of the fund’s mission and its dedicated leadership spread, donations steadily increased. Within a few years, the Bria Fund successfully sponsored its first research project, a significant milestone that validated the fund’s purpose and demonstrated tangible progress.

• The Unwavering Dedication of Susan Gingrich

  The growth and success of the Bria Fund were largely a testament to Susan Gingrich’s extraordinary personal dedication. While maintaining full-time employment, she routinely committed evenings, often until midnight, to the fund’s operations—a true "labor of love." This tireless work extended into weekends, vacations, and personal time, which were frequently spent at cat shows and other events. During these appearances, Gingrich passionately educated the public about FIP and diligently raised money for the Bria Fund. Critically, she personally covered all associated expenses, including travel, hotel accommodations, and items for donations, ensuring that 100% of all contributions directly benefited FIP research. This commitment underscored her profound integrity and belief in the fund’s mission. After Gingrich and her husband retired in 2015, Dr. Vicki Thayer, then Winn’s Executive Director, recognized the immense personal sacrifice and authorized Winn to reimburse Gingrich for a portion of her ongoing expenses, a much-deserved acknowledgment of her unparalleled contributions.

From Advocacy to Policy: National Recognition for FIP Awareness

Susan Gingrich’s original proposal to the Winn Feline Foundation included a vision for an annual FIP Awareness Week, specifically the week of April 19th, commemorating Bria’s passing. While a full week-long observance did not initially materialize, the advocacy efforts of the Bria Fund eventually achieved a far-reaching legislative victory. On the 10th Anniversary of the Bria Fund, Congressman Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee, a proponent of animal welfare, entered a formal statement into the Congressional Record. This declaration officially designated November 18th as National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day. The choice of November 18th was highly symbolic, marking the date of the Bria Fund’s public announcement in 2005. Although intended for the United States, the significance of this recognition resonated globally, with Bria Fund supporters outside the U.S. also embracing the day as a shared moment for awareness and remembrance. This congressional acknowledgment served as a profound recognition not only of the progress in FIP research but also as a somber tribute to the countless precious cats lost to the disease and the devoted individuals who loved them. It elevated FIP from an obscure veterinary concern to an issue of national and international awareness, amplifying the call for continued research and education.

The Dawn of a New Era: Breakthroughs in FIP Treatment

Over the past two decades, the landscape of FIP has undergone a revolutionary transformation, largely propelled by the foundational research supported by organizations like the Bria Fund. What was once considered an insurmountable challenge has, in many cases, become a treatable condition. The significant strides in understanding the feline coronavirus and its pathogenesis laid the groundwork for the development of antiviral drugs. A pivotal breakthrough came with the discovery and application of nucleoside analogs, such as GS-441524, a precursor to the human antiviral remdesivir. Research, much of which was supported by early FIP funding initiatives, demonstrated that these compounds could effectively inhibit viral replication, leading to remarkable recovery rates in FIP-affected cats. Clinical trials and real-world application of these antivirals have shown success rates exceeding 80-90% in many cases, fundamentally altering the prognosis for cats diagnosed with FIP. This paradigm shift from an almost certain death sentence to a high probability of recovery represents one of the most significant advancements in feline veterinary medicine in recent history.

The Bria Fund played a crucial role in fostering an environment where such breakthroughs could occur, directing resources to credible researchers who were relentlessly pursuing answers. While specific treatments like GS-441524 were developed later, they built upon the fundamental understanding of the virus and its interaction with the feline immune system—knowledge often generated through projects funded by early initiatives like the Bria Fund. Today, the conversation around FIP has shifted from managing palliative care to discussing treatment protocols, drug efficacy, and long-term remission. However, despite these monumental achievements, the "total puzzle" of FIP is not yet fully solved. Challenges remain in developing effective vaccines for prevention, understanding the full spectrum of FCoV mutations, and ensuring accessible and affordable treatments globally. The need for continued research, therefore, remains paramount, reinforcing the Bria Fund’s ongoing mission.

• The Evolving Role of EveryCat Health Foundation

  The Winn Feline Foundation, which was instrumental in establishing and managing the Bria Fund, underwent a significant evolution, rebranding in 2021 as the EveryCat Health Foundation. This change reflected an expanded mission and a broader commitment to supporting feline health research across a wider spectrum of diseases. Despite the name change, EveryCat Health Foundation remains dedicated to the legacy of the Bria Fund. It continues to manage the fund, ensuring that donations are directed exclusively to FIP research and actively shares progress updates, much as the Bria Fund’s dedicated website once did. This continuity provides stability and expertise, leveraging a larger organizational infrastructure to further the Bria Fund’s original goals. The partnership between the grassroots activism ignited by Susan Gingrich and the established scientific funding mechanisms of EveryCat Health Foundation exemplifies a successful model for driving medical progress in animal health.

A Legacy of Hope: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflecting on the past two decades, Susan Gingrich articulates a profound sense of fulfillment and gratitude. She recalls the faces of countless individuals—researchers, veterinarians, fellow FIP advocates, and donors—who contributed to the fund’s success. Some remain close contacts, others have faded from touch, and many, including their beloved feline companions, have passed on, leaving a legacy of courage and contribution. Gingrich cherishes a digital archive of photos on her desktop: images of kitties lost to FIP, those bravely living with it, and, increasingly, triumphant FIP survivors. This collection serves as a powerful visual testament to the journey and the tangible impact of the Bria Fund. At 77, Gingrich remains intellectually sharp and healthy, a testament to her enduring spirit and commitment.

Her promise to Bria, made at a moment of deep grief, has been unequivocally fulfilled. She imagines Bria in feline Heaven, greeting newcomers with a playful, "Hi, I’m Bria, you know, that Bria." The Gingrich-Shurskis household continues to be enriched by feline companionship. Her current Birman, Cassandraa Brie (Cassie), now 20 years old, embodies the same feisty and bossy spirit as Bria. Despite facing numerous age-related health challenges, including Third Stage Renal Failure, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), mild Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and some cognitive issues, Cassie exhibits remarkable resilience. Gingrich prays for Cassie’s continued presence, respecting that she will depart on her own terms.

The Bria Fund stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of a single promise, amplified by community action and scientific dedication. While immense progress has been made, the fight against FIP is not over. The ultimate goal—complete prevention and eradication—remains elusive. The current challenge is not a lack of interested, credible researchers, but rather ensuring sufficient funding to support their innovative work. The call to action remains: continued donations to the Bria Fund are essential to sustain research momentum, ultimately striving for a future where FIP is entirely eliminated, honoring Bria’s memory and sparing countless other cats and their human companions from this once-devastating disease.

About the Author: Susan E Gingrich MHS., is a Commonwealth of PA retiree. She refers to herself as a recovering bureaucrat and proud, former public servant. She is a freelance writer and Christian activist. Currently living in Loudon, TN with Cassie her senior Birman cat, she is planning to return to PA to be closer to family and friends.