Joey Luthman launches cross-country ‘OneWheel Ride for Cats’

Award-winning actor, director, and social impact leader Joey Luthman is taking his next big role to the open road — literally. His new project, Joey’s OneWheel Ride for Cats, is an ambitious cross-country trek on a OneWheel — a self-balancing electric skateboard — to raise awareness and one million dollars for feline health research.

The campaign benefits EveryCat Health Foundation, the world’s only nonprofit solely devoted to funding feline health studies. Long recognized for its groundbreaking grants in chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer, and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), EveryCat is partnering with trusted cat care brand Dr. Elsey’s, the initiative’s generous sponsor.

“Feline CKD and cancer leave far too many cat lovers heartbroken,” said EveryCat President and CEO Jackie Ott Jaakola. “EveryCat is dedicated to ensuring that cats no longer suffer from these diseases, and we’re thrilled that Joey Luthman is taking such a bold step toward supporting our mission—and helping cats around the world have happy and healthy lives.”

Ride to remember

Luthman began his OneWheel journey on October 1, departing from the Santa Monica Pier and heading to Maine’s Marshall Point Lighthouse — more than 40 stops across America. His progress and behind-the-scenes adventures can be followed daily on Instagram and TikTok (@joeyluthman).

The project is deeply personal for Luthman, who lost his 15-year-old cat, Winter, to CKD in 2023, followed soon after by the death of a friend’s cat, Momo, to cancer.

“Losing Winter was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced,” Luthman said. “I knew I had to do something—not just for him, but for every family that’s gone through the same thing or might in the future. I’m incredibly excited to contribute to the meaningful mission of EveryCat Health Foundation and help amplify their impact in cat health through this journey.”

About Joey Luthman

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Joey Luthman began acting at age five and has appeared in The Long Road Home, October Road, Weeds, Private Practice, General Hospital, Hawaii Five-0, and Chicago Med. Beyond the screen, he’s a Starlight Children’s Foundation Starpower Ambassador and long-time supporter of LA Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, LA Mission, and other humanitarian organizations.

Luthman has earned multiple Young Artist Awards, including Best Young Actor for his role on Private Practice and Best Performance in a Short Film for Save The Skeet.

Why it matters

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and VCA Hospitals, CKD affects up to 80% of cats over 15 years old. Roughly 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer each year, and a UC Davis study found that nearly one-third of feline deaths are due to cancer.

Although CKD is incurable, early diagnosis and treatment can extend cats’ lives for years — the very reason Luthman hopes his OneWheel journey inspires more awareness, research, and compassion.

To support Joey’s OneWheel Ride for Cats or donate directly, visit 👉 Joey’s Ride for Cats Donation Page

Learn more about the work of EveryCat Health Foundation.