The Iroquois Steeplechase, Nashville’s iconic sporting event benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, sponsored by Bank of America, named two inspiring young people as child ambassador and featured artist for this year’s race: Brooks Russell and Lesly Mendez.

Brooks Russell, this year’s child ambassador, is a 9-year-old third grader who has been a longtime cancer fighter and patient at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. At 4 years old, Russell underwent a 10-hour-long surgery to remove a pilocytic astrocytoma, a brain tumor growing on his spinal cord. He also has completed two years of chemotherapy, 30 sedated MRIs, and five subsequent surgeries since his initial procedure. While the child ambassador program highlights the significant partnership between Children’s Hospital and Iroquois Steeplechase, with more than $10 million donated to date, Russell represents the strength and resiliency of children fighting difficult health diagnoses.

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The Iroquois Steeplechase, Nashville’s iconic sporting event benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and sponsored by Bank of America, has named its honorary co-chairs for its 2018 race: Dr. Wallace “Skip” Neblett III, M.D., and the Wallace and Rowan families represented by Mr. Guy Wallace III and Mr. Kipp Rowan. These three individuals were selected for their long-time service to the community.

“As we consider honorary chairpersons, we look for individuals who embody the true spirit of
the Iroquois Steeplechase, which includes recognizing the magnificence of the horses and the power of giving back,” said Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee. “These three gentlemen, for the entirety of their professional lives, have all been compassionate caregivers who have tremendously improved our community in their own unique way.”

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