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An MUSC Hero

Transplant's Vanessa Hill: a champion for many

Her active regard as an advocate for sick children and adults awaiting life-saving organ transplants is known around the Lowcountry. Transplant services liaison Vanessa Hill possesses the right blend of enthusiasm, spirit and determination to help others during their time of need. 

Hill's dedication and empathy towards children, transplant patients and South Carolinians have led to many community collaborations and outreach efforts that are reflective of her generous spirit and compassion.

Vanessa Hill consults with Dr. Angello Lin, left, and Lee Erbe, family nurse practitioner, at the Rutledge Tower Transplant Clinic. 

A native of Clinton, N.C., Hill was a television news anchor and reporter in up-state Florence, Akron, Ohio and Charleston prior to joining MUSC’s Transplant Services. She was the host of the award-winning “Miracle Workers,” a half-hour news feature that highlighted medical breakthroughs and therapies at MUSC.

“Vanessa puts a great deal of enthusiasm, energy, vision and commitment into any project she takes on,” said Kathy Turrisi, MUSC Transplant Center program administrator. “She is truly a person who makes a difference in the lives of many people, particularly transplant patients and her coworkers.”

Her involvement in patient support activities includes help in coordinating transplant patient participation in the Cooper River Bridge Run/Walk, educational outreach for organ donation within area high schools, promotion, organization and enrollment of bone marrow transplant drives for people in the community.

“Vanessa has been a ‘hero’ to the Bone Marrow Transplant group for a number of reasons,” said Elizabeth Nistra, a member of the bone marrow transplant team. “She has a heart for the bone marrow patients. Vanessa has been instrumental in signing up hundreds of people to the bone marrow registry during local donor drives. This never could have happened without her because of the enormous cost of these drives.” 

“Her dynamic personality and tireless dedication to many projects is a plus,” said Cheryl Harbert of radiology billing. “Vanessa’s participation in fund-raising, creativeness and commitment to patients have been an inspiration to so many.”

Of her many activities, perhaps the one most dear to her heart is the Basic Science Building Auditorium renovation, a project made possible by community partnerships and an Elf Foundation grant. The $250,000-plus project will allow pediatric patients and those returning for care to watch movies, play electronic games and relax in a safe, comfortable environment. Hill is currently soliciting donations for sponsorship of the Victorian-style theater chairs that will complete this state-of-the art children’s theater.

 “It has been a pleasure working with Vanessa on the Elf Foundation project to renovate the Basic Science Auditorium,” said Valerie West, Ph.D., associate provost for educational programs. “She has been tireless in her efforts to make this dream of a children’s theater a reality.”

“Simple words describe this big heart,” said Sara Stello, MUSC Transplant Center. “She’s fun and funny and a joy to work with. My favorite trait about her is how she makes everyone feel like they are a special hero.”