Patient Spotlight

October 8, 2019

Children’s Hospital patient and his grandmother write a book with a message: “I am just like you, but different”

Ryan told his grandmother about the way other people looked at him. She didn’t want him to experience that anymore.

By Jessica Pasley
September 30, 2019

Her dad needed a kidney; hers didn’t match. But through paired donation, her dad got a kidney and so did another person in need.

Her blood type was B and his was A. So they went to Plan B.

By Matt Batcheldor
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
August 13, 2019

Tricia Burgess thought she had seasonal allergies. She actually needed a heart transplant.

“I didn’t even know I was sick. I’m thankful that Vanderbilt saved my life.”

By Matt Batcheldor
Elizabeth “Betsy” Barbour and her late husband, Richard, created a fund to help support Vanderbilt’s lung transplant patient assistance fund.
July 25, 2019

Couple’s transplant journey continues by helping others

Elizabeth “Betsy” Barbour and her late husband, Richard, created a fund to help support Vanderbilt’s lung transplant patient assistance fund.

By Nancy Humphrey
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
July 22, 2019

Children’s Hospital is like a second home to Harper. On her first birthday, it was also the home of her baptism.

The Rev. Amanda Borchik and the Children's Hospital chapel have provided spiritual comfort through Harper's illness.
By Christina Echegaray
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
June 5, 2019

Children’s Hospital saved his life 28 years ago. Now Daniel Cook is helping build its expansion.

The construction project manager looked up his medical records so he could find and thank those who cared for him after a devastating injury when he was 11
By Christina Echegaray
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
April 25, 2019

Kristie Kuzy decided to donate a kidney to a stranger. Her generosity initiated the first three-recipient kidney transplant chain in the history of Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The amazing and improbable story of how it all fell into place
By Matt Batcheldor
April 3, 2019

This high school math teacher almost died in a car wreck. He comes back three times a year to encourage other trauma patients.

Goodie bags and words of hope from somebody who's been there.
By Kristin Smart