Joy and Boysie Bollinger donate $2 million to Ochsner Health in recognition of neurosurgeon, Dr. James Kalyvas

New Orleans businessman generously honored Dr. Kalyvas for his compassionate care; establishing the Joy and Boysie Bollinger Complex Spine Center

New Orleans, Louisiana - Ochsner Health is proud to announce a generous $2 million gift from Joy and Boysie Bollinger. The Bollingers’ gift honors the exceptional care and treatment Boysie, a grateful patient, received from Ochsner neurosurgeon, James Kalyvas, MD. Bollinger's patient experience under Dr. Kalyvas’ expert care led to this gesture, highlighting the connection between dedicated healthcare professionals and the patients whose lives they touch.

This donation will play a significant role in advancing the work of the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute and will have a lasting impact for patients across our region. The Complex Spine Center will be named by Joy and Boysie Bollinger in tribute to Dr. Kalyvas in the new Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Center. Upon completion in 2026, the Patrick Neuroscience Center will be a state-of-the-art flagship facility for Ochsner’s neuroscience clinics and services. A portion of the donation will also establish the Dr. James Kalyvas Fund for Complex Spine Innovation. This fund will fuel groundbreaking research, propel innovative treatments, and foster advancements in spine care.

Bollinger, a prominent business and philanthropic figure in the New Orleans community, has a deep and personal connection to Ochsner. He has undergone multiple complex spine surgeries at Ochsner and has developed a strong bond with Dr. Kalyvas, whose expertise and compassionate care have been instrumental in his recovery. This gift reflects Bollinger’s gratitude and his commitment to supporting the continued excellence of neuroscience care at Ochsner.

"Throughout my journey, Dr. Kalyvas and the team at Ochsner have shown me nothing but the highest level of care and dedication," said Bollinger. "Joy and I wanted to do something meaningful to honor Dr. Kalyvas and to ensure that others in need of complex neurosurgical care have access to the same world-class treatment that I received."

The Ochsner Neuroscience Institute is a destination center for neuroscience care, with the largest and most comprehensive team of brain and nerve specialists in Louisiana. It has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its excellent outcomes for 13 consecutive years, including 10 years as a ‘Top National’ destination for neurosciences and neurosurgery. This extraordinary gift allows Ochsner to further its mission of delivering innovative and compassionate care to patients across the Gulf South and beyond.

“We are so appreciative of Boysie’s steadfast support of Ochsner. He cares deeply about Louisiana and its people, and his and Joy’s generosity will help advance our neurosurgery treatment and research,” said Pete November, chief executive officer, Ochsner Health. “We are so proud of the legacy this gift will leave not only for Dr. Kalyvas and his exemplary career helping others, but also for the Bollinger family’s spirit of compassion and philanthropy. This tribute in Dr. Kalyvas’ honor will have an amazing impact on the communities our physicians and care teams serve each day.”

Dr. Kalyvas, who specializes in complex spine surgeries and the treatment of a wide range of neurosurgical disorders, has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients through cutting-edge medical care. He holds degrees from Harvard College in Cambridge, Mass., and Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York, N.Y. and has completed advanced residency training at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Ariz. His contributions to the field of neurosurgery are well-recognized at both national and international levels.

During a recent, surprise announcement at Ochsner Medical Center, Dr. Kalyvas was greeted by his family, Ochsner leaders and colleagues, and Bollinger, who read a special letter of appreciation and shared the news of the gift. The gathering underscored the deep impact of Dr. Kalyvas' work, and the profound gratitude felt by his patients.

“I am so incredibly thankful to Boysie. He is a special person who has become a wonderful friend who I admire so much, and his donation means the world to me, my family and my talented Ochsner colleagues,” said Dr. Kalyvas. “At Ochsner, we perform cutting-edge complex spine surgeries, and this will do wonders for our research in spinal cord injury and spinal oncology—services that are much needed in our community. This gift will really propel us to the next level of innovation as we seek to explore the unlimited potential of technological advancements and artificial intelligence in spine care.

We are doing such incredible things here at Ochsner and this will allow us to grow our neuroscience destination care across the region and nation.”

This donation also underscores the importance of philanthropy in advancing medical care and innovation. Ochsner is honored to recognize the Bollinger family for their continued support and commitment to the health and well-being of our community.

To learn more about Ochsner’s award winning neuroscience care, please visit Ochsner.org/neurosciences.

PHOTOGRAPHY ASSETS: https://ochsner.imagerelay.com/sb/08d26982-d0f0-4f54-a35a-fc5dbfccbbf5/bollinger-kalyvas-ochsner-neuro-donation

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