Tavia Smith

September 16, 2019

As a child, Andrea Pitts was severely burned. As an adult, she provides “Boxes of Love” to burn patients.

A few gifts and an encouraging note from somebody who’s been there

By Tavia Smith
July 24, 2019

Patient who was too sick to attend daughter’s graduation recovering after double lung transplant

Bridget Perez could barely walk a few steps. Now she’s walking laps at the Dayani Center track and marveling at how it feels to breathe again.

By Tavia Smith
June 18, 2019

Baby girl Saylor Elaine was born at the right time: 6:12 a.m. on 6/12 — and weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces

 “We will tell her how she came right on time — the most perfect time — and how special she is.”

By Tavia Smith
May 22, 2019

Bridget Perez was in intensive care and couldn’t make it to her daughter’s graduation. With the help of Vanderbilt nurses, the graduation came to her.

“Pomp and Circumstance.” Tears. Cupcakes. All in an intensive care unit.

By Tavia Smith
May 16, 2019

Carly Schroeder had a stroke in her 20s. Now 10 years later, she is thankful for her life, her family and the care she received at Vanderbilt

“I’m eternally grateful to all the people that helped me through that dark time.”

By Tavia Smith
February 11, 2019

VUMC newlyweds celebrate love and fitness

For Michael and Sarah Palevo, love blossomed amid the exercise equipment at Vanderbilt’s Dayani Center

By Tavia Smith
November 16, 2018

Give thanks, eat up, and be safe

The last thing anybody wants is to be sick during the holidays. Serving and keeping food safely helps keep everybody healthy.
By Tavia Smith
September 19, 2018

School teachers needed supplies. VUMC employees stepped up.

About 300 employees made donations and filled multiple LP PENCIL Box yellow bins with paper, pencils, crayons and other supplies
By Tavia Smith
September 13, 2018

Volunteers needed for Flulapalooza mass vaccination event

Flulapalooza is quickly approaching and non-clinical volunteers are needed for the event that vaccinates thousands of faculty, staff and students.
By Tavia Smith
August 20, 2018

Andie Perona, part of the VUMC transplant team, receives double organ transplant

The transplant team surgical technician found herself on the other side of the table as a kidney and pancreas transplant recipient. It transformed her life.
By Tavia Smith
July 11, 2018

Compassion, advocacy for patients with visual impairment put Eye Institute employee Janet Lemonis in the spotlight

“She is the most awesome God-sent person — she filled my heart. I had a hole in it and Janet filled it."
By Tavia Smith
July 6, 2018

A year ago Sophie almost drowned in a pond. She came back to Children’s Hospital to thank those who saved her life.

When Sophie’s mother asked her what she wanted to say to everybody, she happily chirped, “Thank you for saving my life.”
By Tavia Smith
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