TULLAHOMA, Tenn. – Jan. 9, 2023 – Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, announced today a donation of $200,000 to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt for their new Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. The donation continues Ascend’s longstanding support for the hospital and its mission of providing pediatric specialty care to children and communities regionally, nationally and internationally.

This new gift will support a longtime vision to bring an inpatient pediatric rehabilitation unit to Monroe Carell, allowing children who need comprehensive rehabilitation care and their families to stay in state and closer to home.

“We are so incredibly grateful to Ascend for its longstanding commitment to support the health and well-being of children at Monroe Carell,” said Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, President of Monroe Carell. “Ascend’s latest gift moves us closer to realizing our vision for a dedicated pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit to provide Tennessee children a space to heal close to home. We cannot do what we do every day to bring hope and healing to families without the tremendous generosity and support of partners like Ascend.”

Ascend’s donation is part of a well-established relationship the credit union has with Monroe Carell. In addition, over the past few years, Ascend donated $100,000 toward the construction of the Pediatric Heart Institute, a 38-bed, 40,000-square-foot space on the 10th floor of the hospital. A room on the 10th floor was named for Ascend in honor of its commitment to the health of children in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

"Tennesseans throughout the state take great pride in the admirable efforts of Monroe Carell, bringing hope to children and their families," remarked Ascend President and CEO, Matt Jernigan. "We express gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with this esteemed institution, contributing to the vital mission it serves in our community and the broader state of Tennessee."

Ascend also has been a presenting sponsor of 107.5 FM The River’s “River of Hope Radiothon” for over 10 years, and Jernigan currently serves on the Children’s Hospital Advisory Board. The Radiothon is an annual event that raises funds for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Children’s Miracle Network. Ascend has donated more than $483,000 to Monroe Carell since 1998.

About Ascend Federal Credit Union

With more than 237,000 members and more than $4.1 billion in assets, Ascend Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. Based in Tullahoma, Tenn., the member-owned financial institution offers banking, loan, retirement and investment services from its 27 branches, more than 55,000 free ATMs worldwide, online banking portal, and mobile app. The credit union’s mission is to serve by offering financial literacy education and giving back to its community in a variety of ways. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit ascend.org.

About Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of the nation's leading children's hospitals, treating and helping to prevent a full range of pediatric health issues from colds and broken bones to complex heart diseases and cancer. Achieving 10 out of 10 nationally ranked pediatric specialties in 2023, Monroe Carell was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 17th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee, and for the third year shares first place in the Southeast Region.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and recently added four new floors encompassing 160,000 total sq. ft. The new expansion helps to advance the size and scope of the hospital's mission. For more about Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt: ChildrensHospitalVanderbilt.org

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