The milestone surgery resulted from collaboration and exemplifies a generational shift taking place in pediatric surgery.

Nearly half (47%) of Tennessee children had public health insurance (TennCare or CoverKids) in 2024. This was the same percentage as private insurance (47%) and an increase from previous years of the poll.

With only a few months on the job, “Vee Vee” as she is affectionately called, is already in high demand and quickly adapting to her work environment.

The initiative seeks to eliminate barriers and foster a safe, judgment-free space for families, employees and community members.

Cross spent her entire career dedicated to helping lay the foundation locally and nationally to solidify child life specialists as part of the health care team.

Screening and clinical trials are further advancing research to develop therapies that delay or prevent the progression to clinical disease in people at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.

Webb’s parents, Anne and Steve Puricelli, recently hosted A Night of Harmony for Healing, an evening of live music to raise funds for the Webb of Hope Fund at Monroe Carell.