Two Decades of Dedication: The Bria Fund’s Transformative Impact on Feline Infectious Peritonitis Research and Advocacy

November 18, 2025 marks a significant 20-year milestone for the Bria Fund for FIP Research, an initiative born from profound personal loss and transformed into a global beacon of hope for cats afflicted with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). Founded by Susan Gingrich, this fund, established under the auspices of the Winn Feline Foundation (now EveryCat Health Foundation), has played a pivotal role in reshaping the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of what was once considered an invariably fatal disease. The journey from a heartbreaking farewell to a beloved pet to the establishment of a dedicated research fund illustrates the power of individual resolve to ignite collective action and drive monumental scientific progress.

The Genesis of a Movement: Bria’s Enduring Legacy

The impetus for the Bria Fund emerged from a deeply traumatic experience in 2005. On April 19, 2005, Susan Gingrich and her husband, Jim Shurskis, faced the agonizing decision to say goodbye to their cherished nine-month-old Birman cat, Brianna Jamie, affectionately known as Bria. Bria was diagnosed with "wet FIP," a particularly aggressive form of Feline Infectious Peritonitis, a disease that, at the time, offered no hope of recovery. The diagnosis was not only traumatic and frightening but also isolating, as the couple knew no one else who had encountered FIP, highlighting the disease’s relative obscurity and the lack of public awareness despite its devastating impact.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a complex and often misunderstood disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). While FCoV is common and usually benign, in a small percentage of infected cats, the virus mutates into a virulent form that triggers an inflammatory immune response, leading to FIP. Historically, FIP presented in two main forms: "wet" or effusive FIP, characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, and "dry" or non-effusive FIP, which involves granulomas on internal organs. Both forms were universally fatal, with most affected cats succumbing within weeks or months of diagnosis. The diagnostic process itself was often challenging and inconclusive, adding to the distress of owners and veterinarians alike.

Despite the bleak prognosis, Bria displayed a remarkable fighting spirit, extending her life by an additional four months. Her resilience, coupled with the profound grief and helplessness experienced by Gingrich, forged a solemn promise: Bria’s short life would not be forgotten, and her legacy would serve a greater purpose. This vow became the driving force behind the creation of the Bria Fund for FIP Research.

Establishing the Foundation for Change: A Timeline of Advocacy

The path from personal tragedy to organized advocacy began swiftly. In July 2005, just months after Bria’s passing, Susan Gingrich drafted a comprehensive proposal and submitted it to the Winn Feline Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing feline health through research and education. Her proactive approach quickly garnered attention, leading to an invitation to a Winn executive meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, to discuss her innovative ideas for a dedicated FIP research fund.

The pivotal moment arrived on November 7, 2005, when Gingrich received official notification that the Winn Feline Foundation had agreed to incorporate the Bria Fund as a stipulated donation vehicle. This critical designation meant that all contributions made to the Bria Fund would be exclusively earmarked for FIP research, ensuring that every dollar directly served its intended purpose without diversion. The official public announcement of the Bria Fund followed on November 18, 2005, at an international cat show in Foster City, CA. This date, now recognized globally, marks the formal inception of an organization that would fundamentally alter the trajectory of FIP research.

During the period awaiting Winn’s reply, Gingrich’s research into FIP led her to discover a burgeoning global community of cat owners grappling with similar losses. She found an established online support group on Yahoo, "FIP Cat Support," which served as a nascent platform for shared experiences and information exchange. Collaborating with the group’s moderator and other dedicated individuals, Gingrich helped establish the "FIP Fighters’ Group" on Facebook, a digital sanctuary where individuals, united by their shared battle against FIP, formed a powerful network of "FIP sisters." This grassroots movement provided invaluable emotional support and began to coalesce a fragmented community into a formidable force for advocacy.

The collaboration with Winn Feline Foundation proved instrumental in elevating the fund’s impact. With Winn on board, Gingrich gained access to a network of knowledgeable veterinarians and researchers, accelerating her own understanding of the complex disease. Among these vital connections was Dr. Niels Pedersen, often revered as the "Father of FIP Research." Dr. Pedersen, renowned for his pioneering work in feline virology, became a crucial mentor and collaborator, providing immense guidance and expertise that shaped the Bria Fund’s research priorities. His deep scientific understanding, coupled with his compassionate nature, provided a solid foundation for the fund’s scientific endeavors. Dr. Vicki Thayer, who would later become Winn’s Executive Director, also emerged as a staunch supporter, recognizing the profound potential of Gingrich’s vision.

Grassroots Advocacy and the Power of Community

In its nascent stages, raising money for FIP research presented considerable challenges. The prevailing sentiment was one of hopelessness; why donate to research for a disease that invariably led to death? This widespread perception underscored the immense educational and fundraising hurdles the Bria Fund faced. However, Gingrich’s unwavering belief in the fund’s purpose, coupled with the tireless efforts of the "FIP sisters" and the burgeoning reach of social media, gradually began to shift public perception.

The small, dedicated core of FIP sisters leveraged early social media platforms to disseminate information, share stories, and appeal for donations. Their personal testimonials resonated deeply with fellow cat lovers, transforming abstract research into a tangible fight for beloved pets. This collective effort led to a steady increase in awareness and, critically, in donations. Within a remarkably short period—a couple of years from its inception—the Bria Fund achieved its first significant milestone: funding its inaugural FIP research project. While the specific details of this initial project are not extensively detailed, it likely focused on fundamental aspects of FIP, such as improved diagnostics, viral pathogenesis, or early therapeutic targets, laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.

Susan Gingrich’s commitment to the Bria Fund was extraordinary, a testament to her profound dedication. For years, she maintained a rigorous schedule, working full-time at her employment during the day and then dedicating her evenings, often until midnight, to the Bria Fund—a true labor of love. Her weekends, vacations, and personal time, along with her husband Jim’s, were frequently spent at cat shows and other events. These occasions were not leisure activities but vital opportunities to educate the public about FIP, raise awareness, and solicit funds. Critically, Gingrich personally bore the costs of her travel, hotel expenses, and items for donations, ensuring that an unprecedented 100% of all contributions directly supported the Bria Fund’s research initiatives. This selflessness built immense trust within the donor community. It wasn’t until after she and Jim retired in 2015 that Dr. Thayer, then Winn’s Executive Director, authorized Winn to reimburse Gingrich for some of her extensive expenses, acknowledging the monumental personal sacrifice she had made.

Milestones in Awareness and Research Breakthroughs

Beyond fundraising, Susan Gingrich’s original proposal to Winn included the visionary concept of an FIP Awareness Week, specifically targeting the week of April 19th, the anniversary of Bria’s passing. While a full week-long observance did not initially materialize, the spirit of this idea evolved into an even broader recognition. On the 10th Anniversary of the Bria Fund, in 2015, Congressman Jimmy Duncan of Tennessee formally entered a statement into the Congressional Record, declaring November 18th as National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day. Although intended for the United States, this declaration was swiftly embraced by Bria Fund supporters worldwide, transforming it into an international day of remembrance, education, and advocacy. This day serves as a poignant recognition of all the precious cats lost to FIP and the devoted people who loved them.

The most profound impact of the Bria Fund, however, lies in its contribution to the "tremendous progress in all aspects of FIP" that has been achieved over the past two decades. In the early 2000s, an FIP diagnosis was a death sentence. Today, thanks to relentless research, largely supported by funds like Bria’s, the landscape has dramatically shifted. The Bria Fund’s early and sustained support for FIP research provided critical funding for scientists exploring novel antiviral compounds. This included groundbreaking work on nucleoside analogs such as GS-441524, which directly inhibits the replication of the FIP virus. Dr. Niels Pedersen, a key figure mentored by the Bria Fund, was at the forefront of this revolutionary research.

Clinical trials, many of which benefited from early funding mechanisms like the Bria Fund, demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of these antivirals. The transition from a uniformly fatal disease to one that is largely treatable has been nothing short of miraculous. While initial access to these medications was often complex and costly, sometimes involving black market channels due to regulatory delays, the overwhelming success of treatment led to the eventual approval and availability of legitimate, veterinary-prescribed drugs. This paradigm shift has given countless cats a second chance at life, preventing untold suffering and heartbreak for their owners.

The progress is not limited to treatment. Diagnostics have also improved, offering more accurate and timely identification of the disease. Researchers continue to investigate the nuances of FIP, including genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and the development of preventive strategies. What was once a field with limited interest from researchers, due to the perceived hopelessness of the disease, has now become a dynamic area of scientific inquiry. Susan Gingrich reflects on her initial worry that "not enough researchers would be interested in it," a concern happily proven wrong. Today, the challenge has reversed: "there isn’t enough money for all the credible researchers interested in FIP." This highlights both the success of past efforts and the ongoing need for continued financial support. While the "total puzzle still isn’t solved," particularly regarding prevention, the progress made has instilled profound optimism. The call for continued donations to the Bria Fund remains vital, aimed at the ultimate goal: the complete elimination of FIP.

The Enduring Legacy and Future Horizons

As the Bria Fund commemorates its 20th anniversary, its legacy is now stewarded by the EveryCat Health Foundation (formerly the Winn Feline Foundation). EveryCat continues the mission of sharing research progress and disseminating vital information, echoing the early work initiated by Gingrich through the Bria Fund website. The foundation’s commitment ensures that the momentum generated over two decades of tireless effort continues, propelling FIP research toward its ultimate objectives. The broader impact of the Bria Fund extends globally, with supporters and beneficiaries spanning continents, underscoring the universal nature of pet ownership and the shared desire to combat devastating diseases.

Looking back over these 20 transformative years, Susan Gingrich reflects on the countless individuals who contributed to this monumental endeavor. She remembers the faces of those who offered help, support, and friendship—some with whom she remains in contact, others whose paths diverged, and some who have since passed, reunited with their FIP and other beloved fur children in memory. Her desktop holds a cherished collection of photos: kitties lost to FIP, those currently battling it, and, increasingly, images of joyous FIP survivors—a tangible chronicle of the fund’s impact. At 77, Gingrich expresses gratitude for her continued health and sharp mind, faculties that allow her to fully appreciate the profound journey.

Her promise to Bria has been unequivocally kept. Gingrich imagines Bria in Heaven, greeting newcomers with the playful introduction, "Hi, I’m Bria, you know, that Bria." While Bria’s unique status as the fund’s namesake is eternal, Gingrich’s current Birman cat, Cassandraa Brie (Cassie), at 20 years old, embodies a similar feisty spirit. Despite battling Third Stage Renal Failure, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), mild Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and some cognitive issues, Cassie remains as spirited and bossy as Bria once was. Gingrich’s fervent prayer for Cassie’s prolonged companionship speaks to the enduring bond between humans and their feline companions, a bond that ultimately fuels the mission of the Bria Fund.

Susan E. Gingrich, MHS, a Commonwealth of PA retiree, proudly refers to herself as a "recovering bureaucrat and proud, former public servant." Her dedication to the Bria Fund is complemented by her work as a freelance writer and Christian activist. Currently residing in Loudon, TN, with Cassie, she plans to return to PA to be closer to family and friends. Her life’s work through the Bria Fund stands as a powerful testament to the idea that even from profound grief, immense hope and progress can emerge, transforming the lives of countless cats and their human companions worldwide. The Bria Fund, initiated by a single promise, has fundamentally changed the narrative of FIP, offering a future where this once-fatal disease can finally be eliminated.