While the surgery was a milestone for the hospital, for the pediatric patient and her family, it represented an answer to many prayers. 

Because baby Jocelyn, the youngest of five, was a patient, the whole Scalzo family now sells their farm goods at the weekly market.

Recognized as a major regional referral center for heart, kidney and liver transplantation, incorporating pancreas and lung transplant services for pediatric patients bolsters the well-established expertise currently offered by the Vanderbilt Transplant Center.

She served as a fellow to neonatal medicine pioneer Mildred Stahlman, MD, who instructed her to organize a referral transport program for critically ill infants and babies, which was then nicknamed the “Angel” Transport System in Dr. Skelton’s honor.

The therapy, haploidentical bone marrow transplant with thiotepa and posttransplant cyclophosphamide, is as safe and more affordable than the recently FDA-approved myeloablative gene therapy and gene editing treatments.

Orr is one of five care partners from across Vanderbilt Health recognized for their exceptional interaction, dedication and positive impact with patients, families and staff.