The Bria Fund for FIP Research, a beacon of hope for countless cat owners and a driving force in veterinary science, marks its 20th anniversary today, November 18, 2025. Founded by Susan Gingrich, the fund has transformed the landscape of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) research, transitioning a once universally fatal disease into one that is now increasingly treatable. This milestone not only celebrates two decades of dedicated fundraising and scientific inquiry but also underscores the profound impact one individual’s personal tragedy can have on global animal welfare. From its humble beginnings rooted in a promise made to a beloved Birman cat named Bria, the fund has championed critical research, fostered a worldwide community of advocates, and contributed to a paradigm shift in veterinary medicine, offering renewed hope to felines and their human companions worldwide. The Genesis of a Mission: A Personal Tragedy Ignites a Global Movement The story of the Bria Fund is inextricably linked to the personal heartbreak experienced by its founder, Susan Gingrich. On April 19, 2005, Gingrich and her husband, Jim Shurskis, faced the agonizing loss of their nine-month-old Birman cat, Brianna Jamie, affectionately known as Bria. Bria succumbed to what their veterinarian diagnosed as wet FIP, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. In the early 2000s, an FIP diagnosis was a virtual death sentence, marked by a profound lack of treatment options and a devastating emotional toll on pet owners. The experience was, as Gingrich recalls, "traumatic and frightening, as well as depressing," compounded by the isolation of not knowing anyone else who had navigated such a diagnosis. Despite the bleak prognosis, Bria exhibited a resilient spirit, fighting for an additional four months before passing. It was at her burial that Gingrich made a solemn vow: Bria’s short life would not be forgotten, and her memory would serve as the catalyst for change. This promise was the immediate impetus for the creation of the Bria Fund for FIP Research. The Devastation of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in the Early 2000s To fully appreciate the Bria Fund’s impact, it is crucial to understand the grim reality of FIP before its advent. Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a severe, progressive, and historically fatal disease caused by certain strains of feline coronavirus (FCoV). While most FCoV infections are mild, causing only transient gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, a small percentage of infected cats experience a mutation of the virus within their bodies. This mutation leads to the development of FIP, characterized by an uncontrolled inflammatory reaction. FIP manifests in two primary forms: the "wet" or effusive form, characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, and the "dry" or non-effusive form, which primarily affects internal organs with granulomatous lesions. Both forms lead to systemic organ damage and, prior to recent breakthroughs, inevitably resulted in death. In the early 2000s, diagnostic tools were limited, often relying on clinical signs and exclusion of other diseases, making confirmed diagnoses challenging. Treatment options were largely palliative, focused on managing symptoms and providing comfort rather than addressing the underlying viral infection. The emotional and financial burden on owners was immense, often ending in euthanasia to prevent further suffering. This context highlights the profound sense of helplessness and despair that FIP inflicted, a despair that Susan Gingrich was determined to challenge. Establishing the Bria Fund: From Proposal to International Recognition Driven by her unwavering promise to Bria, Susan Gingrich channeled her grief into action. In July 2005, just months after Bria’s passing, she meticulously drafted a proposal 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 research. The Winn Feline Foundation, now known as the EveryCat Health Foundation, has a long history of supporting scientific studies to improve the health and welfare of cats. Gingrich’s initiative quickly gained traction. Shortly after submitting her proposal, she received an invitation to attend a Winn executive meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to discuss her ideas further. The foundation recognized the critical need for targeted research into FIP, a disease that had long been overlooked despite its devastating impact. On November 7, 2005, Gingrich received official notification: the Winn Feline Foundation agreed to establish the Bria Fund as a stipulated donation vehicle. This crucial designation meant that all donations made specifically to the Bria Fund would be exclusively earmarked for FIP research, ensuring that every dollar contributed would directly advance the fight against the disease. The formal announcement of the Bria Fund occurred on November 18, 2005, at an international cat show in Foster City, California. This public launch marked a pivotal moment, transforming a personal quest into a recognized, institutionalized effort within the broader feline health community. It signaled to researchers, veterinarians, and cat owners worldwide that a dedicated mechanism now existed to fund the long-overdue scientific investigation into FIP. Building a Community: The Power of Advocacy and Collaboration While awaiting Winn’s official response, Susan Gingrich embarked on another crucial aspect of her mission: building a community. She discovered that her experience with Bria was far from unique; countless cat owners globally had also lost beloved pets to suspected FIP. This realization ignited a powerful sense of solidarity. Gingrich connected with an established online support group on Yahoo, called "FIP Cat Support," which served as an early hub for desperate owners seeking information and comfort. With the assistance of the Yahoo group’s moderator and a few other dedicated individuals, Gingrich co-founded the "FIP Fighters’ Group" on Facebook. These early online communities became vital lifelines, connecting individuals across continents who shared a common, heartbreaking experience. They provided a platform for emotional support, shared anecdotal information, and, critically, began to raise awareness about the pervasive nature of FIP. Gingrich fondly refers to these early collaborators as her "FIP sisters," highlighting the deep bonds formed through shared adversity and a common purpose. Social Media as a Catalyst for Change In the mid-2000s, social media was still in its nascent stages, yet its power to connect and mobilize was already evident. The FIP Cat Support group on Yahoo and the FIP Fighters’ Group on Facebook were pioneering examples of how online platforms could transcend geographical barriers to build robust advocacy networks. These groups provided a sanctuary for grieving and hopeful owners, allowing them to pool knowledge, offer mutual support, and amplify the message of the Bria Fund. This grassroots mobilization was instrumental in overcoming the initial challenge of raising awareness and funds for a disease that many considered hopeless. Pioneering Research and Expert Guidance Once the Bria Fund was officially established under the Winn Feline Foundation, Gingrich gained access to a network of knowledgeable veterinarians and researchers, which significantly accelerated her "learning curve." She actively engaged with these experts, absorbing information and then sharing it back with the growing community of FIP Fighters. Among these invaluable mentors was Dr. Niels Peterson, whom Gingrich reverently refers to as the "Father of FIP Research." Dr. Peterson, a renowned veterinary virologist, had dedicated decades to understanding feline coronaviruses and FIP. His expertise, guidance, and "kindest" disposition provided Gingrich with an unparalleled education, grounding her advocacy in sound scientific understanding. This collaboration between a passionate advocate and leading scientific minds proved crucial in directing the Bria Fund’s resources towards the most promising avenues of research. The Decade of Dedication: Grassroots Efforts and Growing Momentum Raising money for FIP research in the early days presented significant challenges. The prevailing sentiment was one of despair; why donate to research for a disease that invariably led to death? This widespread fatalism made it difficult to inspire contributions. However, Susan Gingrich’s unwavering belief in Bria’s purpose and her conviction that the Bria Fund was blessed propelled her forward. Through the persistent efforts of her "small core of FIP sisters," coupled with the amplifying effect of social media, knowledge of the Bria Fund began to spread organically. Gingrich attended her first Winn FIP Symposium at the annual Cat Fancier’s Association Conference in Virginia, a pivotal event where she met some of her online "FIP sisters" in person. It was also here that she forged a critical alliance with Dr. Vicki Thayer, who would become one of her staunchest supporters. Dr. Thayer, a respected veterinarian and later the Executive Director of the Winn Feline Foundation, recognized the immense potential of Gingrich’s advocacy. These early conferences were not just opportunities for education but also crucial planning sessions where Gingrich and her "sisters" strategized to advance the Bria Fund’s coffers. As word spread through these networks and beyond, donations slowly but steadily increased. Within a couple of years, the Bria Fund was able to finance its first research project, a testament to the power of persistent advocacy. Susan Gingrich’s Unwavering Commitment The Bria Fund became Susan Gingrich’s true "labor of love," demanding immense personal sacrifice. While working full-time, she would dedicate evenings until midnight to fund activities. Her weekends, vacations, and personal time, along with those of her husband, Jim, were predominantly spent at cat shows and other events. Their mission was clear: educate the public about FIP and solicit donations for the Bria Fund. Gingrich personally covered all travel, hotel expenses, and costs for donation items, ensuring that "100% of donations went to the Bria Fund." This extraordinary personal commitment, spanning many years, underscored the depth of her dedication. It wasn’t until she and Jim retired in 2015 that Dr. Thayer, then Winn’s Executive Director, authorized Winn to begin reimbursing Gingrich for some of her accumulated expenses, acknowledging the substantial financial burden she had carried. Early Milestones in FIP Research Funding The initial projects funded by the Bria Fund were crucial in laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs. These early grants supported investigations into FIP diagnostics, epidemiology, and the fundamental mechanisms of the feline coronavirus. Researchers were able to explore genetic predispositions, viral mutations, and immune responses, gradually chipping away at the mysteries of the disease. While immediate cures remained elusive, these foundational studies were essential for building the scientific understanding necessary for the later development of effective treatments. The Bria Fund’s strategic allocation of resources, guided by expert scientific review, ensured that even modest initial contributions had a maximum impact on advancing knowledge. A National Day of Recognition: Elevating FIP Awareness Gingrich’s original proposal to Winn included the creation of an FIP Awareness Week, specifically targeting the week of April 19th, the anniversary of Bria’s passing. While an entire week dedicated to awareness didn’t materialize at that time, a significant milestone was achieved on the 10th Anniversary of the Bria Fund. On November 18, 2015, Congressman Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee, recognizing the tireless efforts of Gingrich and the fund, entered a formal statement into the Congressional Record. This declaration officially proclaimed November 18th as "National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day." Congressional Acknowledgment and Global Reach The designation of a national awareness day was a monumental achievement. While intended for the United States, Bria Fund supporters and FIP advocates beyond the country’s borders enthusiastically adopted November 18th as their own day of remembrance and action. This congressional recognition provided an official platform to elevate FIP from an obscure and devastating feline illness to a public health concern deserving of sustained attention and funding. It served as a somber recognition of all the "precious cats taken by this evil disease" and a tribute to the dedicated people who loved them and fought on their behalf. This day now stands as an annual reminder of the ongoing battle against FIP and the progress achieved through collective action. The Dawn of a New Era: Breakthroughs in FIP Treatment The most profound impact of the Bria Fund’s sustained efforts, alongside the broader scientific community, has been the revolutionary progress in FIP treatment. For decades, FIP was synonymous with death. However, in recent years, particularly in the latter half of the 2010s, research supported by organizations like the Bria Fund led to groundbreaking discoveries. Scientists identified specific antiviral compounds, notably GS-441524 and its analogs, which demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting the replication of the FIP virus. These drugs, originally developed for human viral diseases, were repurposed and rigorously tested, demonstrating cure rates exceeding 80-90% in many FIP-diagnosed cats. The Paradigm Shift in Veterinary Medicine The advent of effective antiviral treatments for FIP represents one of the most significant paradigm shifts in modern veterinary medicine. What was once a universally fatal diagnosis is now, in many cases, a treatable condition with a high probability of recovery. This transformation has instilled immense hope in cat owners and has profoundly impacted veterinary practice. Veterinarians, once limited to palliative care, can now offer concrete treatment options, leading to a dramatic improvement in patient outcomes and quality of life. The Bria Fund played a crucial role in supporting the foundational research that paved the way for these therapeutic breakthroughs, demonstrating the long-term return on investment of dedicated scientific funding. EveryCat Health Foundation: Carrying the Torch Forward Today, the EveryCat Health Foundation (formerly Winn Feline Foundation) continues to serve as the institutional home for the Bria Fund. The Foundation plays a vital role in disseminating information, sharing research progress, and managing the ongoing financial support for FIP studies. As Susan Gingrich notes, "EveryCat Health Foundation is doing what we used to do via the Bria Fund website, sharing Bria Fund’s and FIP research progress." This institutional backing ensures the longevity and continued impact of Bria’s legacy. Gingrich, who once worried that not enough researchers would be interested in FIP, expresses immense satisfaction at being proven wrong. Currently, the challenge has shifted: there are now numerous credible researchers interested in FIP, and the demand for funding often outstrips available resources. Two Decades of Impact: Reflections and Future Horizons Looking back over the past two decades, Susan Gingrich reflects on the journey with a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The faces of countless individuals who helped her along the way — some still in touch, some whose paths diverged, and some who have since passed on — populate her memories. Her desktop holds a poignant collection of photos: "kitties who passed from FIP, those living with it, and more recently FIP survivors." These images encapsulate the evolution of FIP from a death sentence to a treatable disease, a transformation fueled by her promise to Bria. At 77, Gingrich remains mentally sharp and generally healthy, a testament to her enduring spirit and dedication. The Unfinished Puzzle: Remaining Challenges in FIP Eradication Despite the tremendous progress, the "total puzzle still isn’t solved," Gingrich reminds us. While treatment is highly effective, prevention remains an elusive goal, and a vaccine is yet to be developed. Further research is needed to understand why the feline coronavirus mutates into FIP in some cats but not others, to develop more accessible and affordable diagnostic tools, and to ensure that treatments are universally available. The Bria Fund continues to solicit donations, recognizing that "we aren’t done!" The ultimate goal remains the complete elimination of FIP, ensuring no more cats suffer from this once-devastating disease. A Legacy of Hope and Perseverance Susan Gingrich firmly believes she has kept her promise to Bria. She imagines Bria in Heaven, playfully greeting newcomers with, "Hi I’m Bria, you know, that Bria." This enduring image encapsulates the profound and lasting impact of one cat’s short life. The spirit of Bria, the catalyst for a global movement, continues to inspire. Gingrich’s current feline companion, Cassandraa Brie (Cassie), a 20-year-old Birman, carries on the feisty and bossy traits of her predecessor. Despite battling advanced renal failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), mild inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and cognitive issues, Cassie embodies resilience, much like Bria. Gingrich’s hope for Cassie to remain by her side longer reflects the deep bond shared between humans and their feline companions, a bond that the Bria Fund ultimately strives to protect. The Bria Fund for FIP Research stands as a powerful testament to the impact of personal advocacy, scientific collaboration, and unwavering hope. From a moment of profound personal loss, Susan Gingrich forged a legacy that has fundamentally altered the prognosis for countless cats worldwide, transforming despair into a future filled with promise and the very real prospect of FIP eradication. As the fund celebrates its 20th anniversary, its mission remains as vital as ever: to continue funding the research necessary to ensure that one day, FIP will be a disease of the past. About the Author: Susan E. Gingrich MHS., is a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania retiree. She humorously refers to herself as a "recovering bureaucrat" and a proud, former public servant. Currently residing in Loudon, Tennessee, with her senior Birman cat, Cassie, she is a freelance writer and Christian activist. Gingrich is planning to return to Pennsylvania to be closer to family and friends. Post navigation Advancing Feline Diabetes Care: A Caregiver’s Urgent Call for Innovation and Enhanced Support A Beloved Companion’s Final Battle Against Feline Cancer Highlights Urgent Need for Research and Accessible Veterinary Care.
