Jessica Pasley

July 11, 2025

Prevent heat-related injuries, deaths in children with these important tips

As parents and caregivers are being mindful of safety in rising temperatures, experts also urge adults to take appropriate steps to prevent hot car deaths and injuries.

By Jessica Pasley
Patient Brynlee Pruitt with facility dog Velour and handler, Kaylor Glassman, MS.
July 10, 2025

Velour Vanderbilt is just what the doctor ordered

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt facility dog “transforms tears to giggles on a daily basis,” said her handler.

By Jessica Pasley
(CDC Public Image Library)
July 7, 2025

Experts offer tips on dealing with ticks this summer

Four tick-borne illnesses are most common in Tennessee, including spotted fever rickettsiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

By Jessica Pasley
June 25, 2025

First pediatric liver-pancreas dual transplant performed in Tennessee

Phone call changes the life of family whose daughter with cystic fibrosis needed both a liver and pancreas transplant.

By Jessica Pasley
June 12, 2025

From professional photographer to pediatric nurse, Mel Firebaugh is focused on bringing joy

“Being a photographer taught me to treasure the good memories and hold tight through the tough times. This is useful in nursing because there are a lot of tough times.”

By Jessica Pasley
Margaret Drewes and her son, Everett, at home after recovering from their surgeries.
June 9, 2025

Mother and son help form a kidney donation chain that eventually involved six people

The chain is a system where a series of incompatible living donor-recipient pairs are connected, allowing recipients to receive a compatible kidney from an altruistic donor.

By Jessica Pasley
June 4, 2025

Expert tips for staying safe in the heat

Following basic summer safety tips will help keep your family safe and healthy as temperatures rise.
By Jessica Pasley
May 28, 2025

School staff and friends bring graduation joy to hospitalized fifth grader 

To prepare for his graduation ceremony, Carter Williamson had his own goal. He wanted to walk across the stage to accept his diploma. 
By Jessica Pasley
May 28, 2025

Medical team uses nontraditional therapy to help give young patient a chance at making it to heart transplant

The team used an Impella, a catheter-based miniature ventricular assist device. It offered the best chance of getting rising eighth-grader Van Sung to transplant.
By Jessica Pasley
May 22, 2025

Sister’s kidney donation to her brother is a dream come true

The siblings, both recovering from surgery, admitted they were best friends, a bond that has grown even deeper since the transplant.
By Jessica Pasley
May 20, 2025

Psychologists included as part of medical teams to support children’s mental health awareness

These psychologists work with the medical team and families to help support patients during their hospital visits and in coping with and treating their medical diagnosis.
By Jessica Pasley
May 16, 2025

Implantable device helps young patients with obstructive sleep apnea

In March 2023, then 14-year-old Jude Downer became one of the first patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to receive an implantable device designed to aid sleep.
By Jessica Pasley
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