The Iroquois Steeplechase, Nashville’s iconic sporting event benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, has named its honorary co-chairs and child ambassador for the 2024 race, set for Saturday, May 11.
Kathy Jabs, MD, associate professor of Pediatrics, chief of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology and medical director of the Kidney Transplant Program at Monroe Carell, will serve as co-chair and 3-year-old Everett Drewes, a patient of Jabs, is the child ambassador for the premier racing event. Frank and Dorothy Davis will serve as the race’s other co-chairs.
Jabs, a member of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, serves on its Clinical Affairs and Practice Management Committee. In 2016, she was recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Transplantation, a designation that honors those members who have demonstrated both an exceptional commitment to the field of transplantation, as well as outstanding service to the American Society of Transplantation.
Jabs serves many patients, including those at high risk who may not be candidates for transplantation at other medical centers.
Each year the Iroquois Steeplechase, Nashville’s rite of spring since 1941, names an inspiring young person to serve as the event’s child ambassador to represent the strength and resiliency of children fighting difficult health diagnoses.
Everett, diagnosed at birth with a rare condition called Eagle-Barrett syndrome, also known as prune belly syndrome, has spent much of his life at Monroe Carell.
The condition is characterized by underdeveloped abdominal muscles and includes urinary tract and kidney complications. Before he was born, doctors anticipated that he would require a kidney transplant.
In June 2023, on his third birthday, he received a kidney transplant. His father, Matthew, was his donor. Unfortunately, in November 2023 Everett’s kidney failed, and he suffered heart damage. He has begun dialysis and is waiting to be added to the kidney transplant list again.
Everett’s family has remained grateful for the coordinated care his Monroe Carell medical team continues to provide and credits Jabs for his exceptional care.
“We feel like Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has been a part of our family since day one,” said Everett’s mom, Margaret Drewes. “We are so grateful to have this hospital so close by and for the care we have received. We have always been confident in Everett’s care team.
“There are so many specialists involved in his care, and Dr. Jabs makes sure all bases are covered and everyone is aligned.”
Held the second Saturday of each May at Percy Warner Park, the annual race attracts more than 25,000 spectators. The event also supports several philanthropic causes and has donated more than $11 million to Monroe Carell since 1981.
On race day, gates open at 8 a.m., and the first race begins at 1 p.m. There are several options for attendance. For more information about the Iroquois Steeplechase, go to www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.
