Tavia Smith Archive — Page 1 of 2

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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