Twenty Years of Hope: How the Bria Fund Transformed the Fight Against Feline Infectious Peritonitis

November 18, 2025, marks a significant milestone in veterinary medicine and feline advocacy: the 20th anniversary of the Bria Fund for FIP Research. Established by Susan Gingrich in memory of her beloved Birman cat, Brianna Jamie, who succumbed to Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in 2005, the fund has been a pivotal force in transforming a once universally fatal disease into one that is now increasingly treatable. What began as a personal tragedy and a solemn promise has blossomed into a global movement, galvanizing scientific inquiry, fostering a worldwide community of support, and ultimately, altering the trajectory of feline health for millions of cats and their guardians.

The Genesis of a Movement: From Personal Loss to Global Mission

The genesis of the Bria Fund is rooted in profound personal grief. On April 19, 2005, Susan Gingrich and her husband, Jim Shurskis, experienced the heartbreaking loss of their nine-month-old Birman, Brianna Jamie, affectionately known as Bria. Bria was diagnosed with "wet FIP," a particularly aggressive form of the disease that, at the time, offered virtually no hope of recovery. The experience was, as Gingrich describes, "traumatic and frightening, as well as depressing," exacerbated by the lack of public awareness and the devastating reality that no one they knew had ever encountered a cat afflicted with FIP. Despite the grim prognosis, Bria displayed remarkable resilience, living an additional four months, a testament to her vibrant spirit and the dedicated care she received. It was at her burial that Susan Gingrich made a solemn vow: Bria’s short life would not be forgotten. This promise became the driving force behind the creation of the Bria Fund, aiming to ensure that no other cat owner would have to endure such a helpless and hopeless farewell.

In July 2005, just months after Bria’s passing, Susan Gingrich submitted a detailed proposal to the Winn Feline Foundation, an esteemed organization dedicated to advancing feline health research (now known as the EveryCat Health Foundation). Her initiative quickly garnered attention, leading to an invitation to an executive meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to discuss her vision. The foundation, recognizing the urgent and unmet need for dedicated research into FIP, officially agreed to establish the Bria Fund as a "stipulated donation vehicle" on November 7, 2005. This designation was critical, ensuring that all donations made to the Bria Fund would be exclusively allocated to FIP research, preventing diversion to other areas of feline health. The public announcement of the Bria Fund occurred on November 18, 2005, at a prominent international cat show in Foster City, California, marking the official launch of what would become a cornerstone of FIP research funding.

Building a Global Alliance: FIP Sisters and Scientific Mentorship

In the period leading up to the Bria Fund’s official endorsement, Susan Gingrich discovered a burgeoning global community of individuals who had also lost cats to suspected FIP. This shared grief and sense of helplessness had led to the formation of online support networks, most notably the "FIP Cat Support" group on Yahoo. Recognizing the power of collective action, Gingrich, alongside the group’s moderator and a few other dedicated individuals, established the "FIP Fighters’ Group" on Facebook. These early adopters of social media for advocacy became known as "FIP sisters," forging bonds of solidarity and mutual support across geographical boundaries. This grassroots network was instrumental in amplifying the message of the Bria Fund and creating a sense of urgency around FIP research.

The journey from personal advocacy to scientific understanding was significantly aided by collaborations with leading experts. Susan Gingrich credits Dr. Niels Peterson, whom she reverently refers to as the "Father of FIP Research," with providing immense guidance and knowledge. Dr. Peterson, a distinguished veterinarian and researcher, had dedicated much of his career to unraveling the mysteries of FIP. His mentorship proved invaluable, helping Gingrich navigate the complex scientific landscape and effectively communicate the urgent need for funding to a broader audience. Dr. Peterson’s early work, often conducted with limited resources, laid the foundational understanding of FIP as a viral disease caused by a mutation of the feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV). This critical insight, while not immediately leading to a cure, was essential for guiding subsequent research efforts that would eventually yield breakthroughs.

Navigating the Early Years: Overcoming Skepticism and Fueling Growth

Raising funds for FIP research in the early days was an uphill battle. The prevailing sentiment was that FIP was an untreatable death sentence, making it difficult to convince potential donors to invest in what seemed like a hopeless cause. "Who wanted to donate to research for a disease when cats died?" Gingrich often reflected. Despite this initial skepticism, she maintained an unwavering belief in the fund’s divine purpose and potential. Through the unwavering dedication of the "FIP sisters" and the burgeoning power of social media, awareness of the Bria Fund steadily grew. These networks not only provided emotional support but also served as vital conduits for fundraising and educational outreach.

A significant turning point came with the first Winn FIP Symposium, held at the annual Cat Fancier’s Association’s Conference in Virginia. This event provided a crucial platform for the Bria Fund to gain visibility within the professional feline community. It was here that Susan Gingrich met many of her "FIP sisters" in person, solidifying the bonds of their virtual community. More importantly, she connected with Dr. Vicki Thayer, who would become one of the Bria Fund’s most steadfast supporters. Dr. Thayer, an influential figure within the Winn Feline Foundation (later its Executive Director), recognized the immense potential and critical need for the Bria Fund’s work. The symposium served not only as an excellent educational program but also as a strategic opportunity for Gingrich and her allies to plan future initiatives aimed at bolstering the fund’s resources. As word continued to spread through these channels, donations began to flow more consistently. Within a mere couple of years, the Bria Fund proudly announced its first funded research project, a tangible sign of progress and hope.

The commitment of Susan and Jim was extraordinary. Gingrich dedicated countless hours, often working on Bria Fund initiatives until midnight after a full day at her regular employment. Weekends, vacations, and personal time were frequently spent at cat shows and other events, tirelessly educating the public about FIP and actively raising money for the fund. In a remarkable display of personal sacrifice, Gingrich personally covered all travel, hotel expenses, and items for donations, ensuring that "100% of donations went to the Bria Fund." This level of personal investment underscored her profound dedication and instilled confidence in donors. It wasn’t until after her and Jim’s retirement in 2015 that Dr. Thayer, then Winn’s Executive Director, authorized the foundation to reimburse Gingrich for some of her accumulated expenses, a gesture acknowledging the immense personal cost she had borne for over a decade.

Milestones and Recognition: Elevating FIP Awareness

Beyond direct fundraising, Susan Gingrich’s initial proposal to Winn Feline Foundation included a visionary idea: the establishment of an FIP Awareness Week, centered around April 19th, the anniversary of Bria’s passing. While a dedicated week did not materialize precisely as envisioned, the spirit of awareness and advocacy found a powerful voice a decade later. On the 10th Anniversary of the Bria Fund, November 18, 2015, a significant milestone was achieved. Congressman Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee, recognizing the fund’s vital contributions and the pervasive impact of FIP, entered a formal statement into the Congressional Record. This official declaration designated November 18th as National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day.

Although initially intended for the United States, the significance of this day resonated globally. Bria Fund supporters outside of the U.S. enthusiastically embraced November 18th as their own, transforming it into an international observance. This day serves as a poignant recognition of the countless precious cats lost to this "evil disease" and a tribute to the dedicated individuals who loved and fought for them. The establishment of an official awareness day not only elevated FIP’s profile but also provided a structured opportunity for education, fundraising, and remembrance, fostering a sense of collective purpose among researchers, veterinarians, and cat owners worldwide.

The Dawn of a New Era: Revolutionary Progress in FIP Research

The journey of the Bria Fund spans two decades, coinciding with what can only be described as a revolution in FIP research. In 2005, a diagnosis of FIP was a death sentence, with palliative care being the only option. Today, thanks to persistent research, much of it supported by funds like the Bria Fund, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Early research focused on understanding the pathogenesis of FIP, differentiating it from the benign feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV), and developing more accurate diagnostic tools. These foundational studies, often slow and painstaking, were critical in paving the way for later therapeutic breakthroughs.

The true "game-changer" emerged from research into antiviral compounds. Pioneering work, notably from Dr. Niels Pedersen’s team at the University of California, Davis, identified nucleoside analog drugs, such as GS-441524 (a precursor to remdesivir, an antiviral drug used in human medicine). These compounds work by inhibiting the replication of the FIP virus within infected cells, effectively halting the progression of the disease. Clinical trials, initially conducted under challenging regulatory environments, demonstrated unprecedented success rates, with many studies reporting cure rates exceeding 80-90% in cats treated with these antivirals. This represented a monumental leap from the zero-percent survival rate that characterized FIP for decades.

The EveryCat Health Foundation, which evolved from the Winn Feline Foundation, now actively continues the mission of sharing Bria Fund and broader FIP research progress. This institutional support ensures that the scientific advancements are widely disseminated, reaching veterinarians, researchers, and cat owners. Susan Gingrich candidly admits that at one point, she feared a lack of interest from researchers, believing FIP to be too niche or too challenging. She expresses immense joy at being "proven wrong." Today, the challenge has inverted: "Now, there isn’t enough money for all the credible researchers interested in FIP." This reflects a vibrant and active research community, brimming with promising avenues of inquiry, but constrained by funding limitations.

Despite these monumental strides, the fight against FIP is not entirely over. As Gingrich notes, "No, the total puzzle still isn’t solved, and we can’t prevent it yet, but we aren’t done!" Current research continues to explore prevention strategies, improved diagnostics, broader accessibility to treatments, and understanding the long-term health implications for FIP survivors. The Bria Fund remains crucial in funding these ongoing efforts, pushing towards a future where FIP can be entirely eliminated, not just treated. The implications of this progress extend beyond FIP, demonstrating the power of targeted research funds in tackling devastating diseases and inspiring hope in other areas of veterinary medicine.

Susan Gingrich’s Enduring Legacy and the Future of FIP Research

Looking back over the past two decades, Susan Gingrich reflects on a journey filled with memories, challenges, and immense satisfaction. She recalls the faces of countless individuals who contributed to the Bria Fund’s success—fellow advocates, dedicated researchers, supportive veterinarians, and generous donors. Some remain connected, others have faded from touch, and some have passed on, joining their beloved "fur kids" in Heaven. Her desktop holds a digital archive of this journey: photos of kitties lost to FIP, those currently battling it, and, increasingly, the joyful faces of FIP survivors. At 77, Gingrich expresses gratitude for her health and sharp mind, which allow her to continue witnessing the profound impact of her promise.

That promise, made to a precious nine-month-old Birman, has been kept. Gingrich fondly imagines Bria in Heaven, a spirited greeter to newcomers, proudly introducing herself: "Hi, I’m Bria, you know, that Bria." In the Gingrich-Shurskis household, Bria’s legacy of feisty resilience lives on through Cassandraa Brie (Cassie), another Birman, now 20 years old. Despite battling Third Stage Renal Failure, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), mild Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and some cognitive issues, Cassie remains "just as feisty and bossy as Bria was." Gingrich prays for more time with Cassie, knowing she will depart on her own terms, perhaps ready to challenge Bria for leadership in the afterlife.

The Bria Fund stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of personal dedication and collective action. It began with a single promise made in grief and has evolved into a global force that has fundamentally changed the prognosis for Feline Infectious Peritonitis. From a disease once synonymous with despair, FIP is now seen as a conquerable foe, thanks to the tireless efforts ignited by Bria’s memory. The call for continued donations to the Bria Fund is not merely a plea for charity; it is an investment in the future, a commitment to completing the puzzle, and a step towards a world where no cat owner has to face the devastating diagnosis of FIP without hope.

About the Author:

Susan E. Gingrich, MHS, is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania retiree, who humorously refers to herself as a "recovering bureaucrat" and a proud, former public servant. She is a freelance writer and a Christian activist. Currently residing in Loudon, Tennessee, with her senior Birman cat, Cassie, she is making plans to return to Pennsylvania to be closer to family and friends. Her enduring legacy through the Bria Fund continues to inspire hope and drive progress in feline health.