Patient Spotlight

May 17, 2021

Marcus Trammell almost died on his way to pick up some pandemic takeout. A year later, his amazing rehab journey continues.

The long way back from the turn lane in front of Dino’s Bar and Grill

By Matt Batcheldor
Lacey Ray plays with her son, Carter, at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Carter, who has a rare esophageal condition, has spent his entire life in hospitals.
April 29, 2021

Innovative techniques help treat boy’s rare condition

Carter Ray has never been inside his family home. As a matter of fact, since he was born on Nov. 3, 2019, he has only lived in a hospital.

By Jessica Pasley
William Nolan and Cassie Rooke were treated at VUMC after being injured in a windstorm last year.
April 21, 2021

Couple takes on recovery together after storm injuries

On a beautiful Sunday in May 2020, Cassie Rooke and William Nolan decided to go on a hike at their usual spot in Percy Warner Park.

By Emily Stembridge
April 15, 2021

Afternoon with a big leaguer

In 1985, former Negro leagues pitcher Frank McAllister was a patient at Vanderbilt Hospital and spent some time talking baseball with VUMC fans. Now the official records acknowledge what has been true all along: he was a big leaguer.

By Wayne Wood
Tinsley Bellar’s motor skills improved dramatically after being treated at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital’s multidisciplinary clinic for young patients with cerebral palsy.
March 18, 2021

Clinic helps children with cerebral palsy regain mobility

Seven-year-old Tinsley Bellar loves to dance — her mother describes it as TikTok dancing with cheerleader moves. She also loves to run. She completed her school’s fun run last year with the whole school cheering her on.

By Nancy Humphrey
March 12, 2021

Tears of joy, tears of sorrow — College sweethearts, a COVID unit wedding, and a love story that ended too soon

The inside story of how VUMC’s COVID unit staff pulled together to arrange a wedding, and a reminder that not every love story has a happy ending

By Wayne Wood
January 4, 2021

VUMC New Year’s babies bring bright start to 2021

Welcome, Graham; welcome, Nike; welcome, Oakley Rose!
By Linda Zettler
October 20, 2020

“Tough guy” actor gets tender care at VUMC

He's been a villain on "Weeds" and "Queen of the South"; he says his health care team members are heroes
By Nancy Humphrey
September 25, 2020

In memory of Kyle

Last year, an honor walk for paramedic Kyle Fisher went viral. Now, his mother, a nurse at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, is promoting organ donation in his memory.
By Matt Batcheldor
September 8, 2020

The police officer needed a kidney transplant. The donor turned out to be very familiar to him — he had arrested her numerous times.

He had been a cop for four decades. She had been featured on "Alabama's Most Wanted."
By Matt Batcheldor
August 26, 2020

Kidney transplant patient returns home to joyous reverse parade

Lee Foster's friends and neighbors smiled, waved, honked and enjoyed cake pops
By Matt Batcheldor
July 15, 2020

Two brushes with death. Two life-saving Vanderbilt physicians. Then, two children.

"Vanderbilt will always be a place that we hold dear for everything they have done for us,” says Mary Beth Ballard Murray.
By Matt Batcheldor
May 6, 2020

She wanted a baby for so long, and then he needed lifesaving surgery. A healthy child is Maira Hernandez’s Mother’s Day gift.

“I want him to have a bright future, and I thank God for putting Michele in my path so my baby can have that.”
By Kelsey Herbers