|
Leaving A Legacy of Hope
When Kentucky Derby winner barbaro shattered his hind leg at the Preakness in May 2006, owners Gretchen and Roy Jackson had him brought to Penn Vet's new Bolton Center. the world watched and waited. His right hind leg, fractured in three places, required five hours of surgery. months later, 80 percent of Barbaro's left hind foot was removed after laminitis developed, but the painful condition could not be halted. The Jacksons made the difficult decision to euthanize the champion in January 2007. His death, mourned by millions, prompted a surge of interest in laminitis, and the Jacksons endowed the Dean W. Richardson Chair for Equine Disease Research at Penn Vet.
"There was never any question where Barbaro would go. We knew that New Bolton Center had the experience to make good diagnoses, the best equipment, and facilities. Everyone here displayed knowledge, capability, caring, and determination. Dean Richardson called us every day, usually around 6:30 a.m. He knew I woke up wondering if Barbaro had made it thought the night. We felt the best way to honor the surgeon and the School was to endow a chair that would help find a solution for laminitis."
|
Sharing the Gift of Compassion
When Rosie, John and Deborah Piper's beloved Portuguese water dog, was diagnosed with lymphoma they were devastated. The Pipers began researching the best treatment options available and discovered Penn Vet. To honor Rosie and the oncology team responsible for her compassionate treatment, the Pipers have created a residency research fund in oncology and plan to establish a scholarship during Penn's capital campaign. Although Rosie did not win her battle with lymphoma, the Pipers hope their contribution will lead to new discoveries and treatment options for canine cancer.
"Having Rosie was like adding another color to our world. As physicians, John and I didn't always make our home life a priority. Rosie gave us a world outside of the hospital and brought balance and joy into our lives. She was so special and positively impacted everyone who met her. Through this research fund, Rosie will continue to touch people's lives for a long time to come."
|