NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 2, 2013 — The Pediatrician’s Circle is an annual fundraising tradition involving two notable Nashville institutions: the Iroquois Steeplechase and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. This year their fundraising efforts will honor outstanding Middle Tennessee pediatricians and benefit the hospital’s Palliative Care Program.

“The Palliative Care Program provides intensive symptom management and support services to children and families facing life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses,” said Libby Cheek, executive director of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “This is a meaningful way for community members to not only recognize the wonderful work being done by our local pediatricians, but also to honor the lives of patients who have faced unfair illnesses that no child should ever go through.”

Regardless of the time left to live, the Palliative Care Program embraces patients and families to provide a period of care that is peaceful, non-invasive and procedure-free. Families enduring a lengthy healing process or facing the loss of a child must cope not only with medical issues but also many psychosocial and practical issues that require support.

With every $100 tax-deductible gift, one pediatrician will be acknowledged in the Iroquois race day program, and the Palliative Care Program receives a donation to further their work in providing patients and their families a place to hope and heal. Donations will be accepted through April 15, and can be made online at www.childrenshospital.vanderbilt.org/pediatriciancircle or through the mail.

Dr. Scott Brooks will serve as this year’s grand honoree. He is an accomplished physician who practices at the Pediatric Associates of Franklin, Tenn. Dr. Brooks completed his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences in Memphis, and has received the Physicians Recognition Award from the American Medical Association and James C. Overall Award for his contribution to the Children’s Hospital residency program as an outstanding instructor.

For more information on the 2013 Pediatrician’s Circle and how you can donate, visit www.childrenshospital.vanderbilt.org/pediatriciancircle.

About the Iroquois Steeplechase

Held on the second Saturday of every May at Nashville’s Percy Warner Park, the Iroquois Steeplechase is the premier spring race in American steeplechasing and Music City’s traditional rite of spring – typically attracting more than 25,000 spectators. Since being designated in 1981 as the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has received more than $9 million from the event proceeds. For information on advance ticket purchases, corporate and hospitality tents, and tailgating and RV spaces, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call (615) 591-2991.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a freestanding hospital dedicated to serving only children, is nationally recognized as a leading provider of pediatric health care services. Experts treat and prevent all health issues ranging from common childhood conditions to serious, advanced diseases. Featuring Centers of Excellence for the treatment of diabetes and congenital heart disorders, Children’s Hospital also operates the region’s only level 1 pediatric trauma unit and a neonatal intensive care unit with the highest designated level of care. In addition, Children’s Hospital is a top-level teaching and research facility.