Seven years ago, asking questions was not possible. Ivan, who is nonverbal and nonmobile, had no way to communicate. What he was thinking, feeling or wanting was always a “best guess” for his mom.

The mission of the ATS is to promote the respiratory health of children and adolescents and to improve the care of children with respiratory disease through research, education, patient care and advocacy.

“In the OR, kids don’t have anyone except the doctors, techs and nurses taking care of them. They can’t speak for themselves. I realize the privilege and responsibility I have to those kids, and I’ve felt a lot of purpose in my role.”

“Inga made me feel that I was going to be OK. I am eternally grateful for her.”

This year’s Home with Heart Raffle marked the third time that Willow Branch Homes has donated a home to support Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Joseph Chacon, RN, works in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. He is is one of the latest group of DAISY Award winners at VUMC.

Nurses are accustomed to comforting patients and families through loss, but when they lose one of their own, it hurts in a unique, palpable way. Fortunately, they can count on each other.