As a student at the University of Mississippi, a career as a child life specialist wasn’t on Sarah Beth Gray’s radar. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t offered as a major. Luckily, Gray’s mother, a longtime preschool and day care owner, knew her daughter’s heart.

Cornetta Long, 10, and her mother, Kelli, were all smiles after snagging Cornetta’s favorite costume during Wednesday’s Halloween Costume Shop at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. More than 1,000 costumes for patients and families were donated for this year’s event, which is hosted by Child Life.

The Junior League of Nashville recently presented a gift of $200,000 to support the Child Life Program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s Child Life Internship Program has earned accreditation from the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

Thing one: The adults had a good time reading their favorite books. Thing two: The children loved it, too.

Camille Fraser was a teenager with a cancer diagnosis when she was helped by a Vanderbilt Child Life specialist and immediately knew she had seen her future career. That was 13 years ago and Fraser is now a Vanderbilt Child Life specialist herself.

Serious health conditions affect the entire family, says Vanderbilt child life specialist Katie Beard. When a child is sick, here’s how to help brothers and sisters cope.