LSU Equine Hospital Dedicates 'The Lexi Suite'
Monday, May 21, 2007
Baton Rouge, LA - In honor of the extraordinary efforts of globe-trotting surgeons, LSU veterinarians and technicians, a determined team of horse owners, and a remarkable 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, the Louisiana State University's School of Veterinary Medicine dedicated "The Lexi Suite" in the Equine Intensive Care Unit at the LSU Large Animal Hospital on Thursday, May 17.
Named in honor of Lexius (Lexi), owned by Ms. Julie Calzone & Mr. Robert Gardes, Lexi is the mare who presented LSU with the opportunity to cure uveitis in North America through a procedure known as a vitrectomy. The surgery is rarely performed and was unprecedented at LSU.
The dedication was attended by horse enthusiasts from around the state, members of the faculty and staff of LSU's Equine Health Studies Program. "The event is a celebration of Lexi's journey and the remarkable efforts of all that were involved in her recovery, and a formal recognition of the incredible philanthropic support that has been demonstrated by her owners, both in their willingness to implement The Lexi Fund, and in additional private support as well," said Dr. Eric Storey, Lexi's first ophthalmologist at LSU.
The Lexi Fund was implemented earlier this year to dedicate financial resources toward clinical service, scientific investigation and educational endeavors in the field of equine ophthalmology.
"Both Bob and I feel very strongly that Lexi called all the shots, including picking Dr. Storey and LSU," said Calzone. "We knew we simply had to stand by her while she led the way for a new life and new eye sight, not only for herself but for other horses in North America. She is a very special horse, and we all are fortunate that she chose us. If it weren't for Dr. Storey and LSU, none of this would have been possible."
Lexi attended the dedication of her Equine Intensive
Care Unit suite. She is pictured here with her
owners Robert Gardes (left) and Julie Calzone, along
with Dr. Peter F. Haynes (center), Interim Dean, and
Dr. Eric Storey (right), veterinary ophthalmologist.
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