THE IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE ANNOUNCES HONORARY CO-CHAIRS FOR 2022 RACE MEET
Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, and The Currey Family to co-chair the 2022 Iroquois Steeplechase
NASHVILLE, Tenn. –The Iroquois Steeplechase sponsored by Bank of America, benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is pleased to announce the honorary co-chairs of the 2022 Iroquois Steeplechase, Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, and The Currey Family. The Iroquois Steeplechase is recognizing these Nashvillians for demonstrating the race meet’s dedication to tradition and philanthropy.
“It is a privilege to represent Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt as honorary co-chair of this year’s Iroquois Steeplechase,” said Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “We are so grateful for this annual event, and its longstanding support of our hospital and the care we provide to children and families. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve with the Currey family as co-chairs of this event and to support this wonderful tradition that has been and continues to be so impactful on our community.”
Edwards, an internationally-recognized expert in vaccinology, focuses on the evaluation of vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases in adults and children. Her clinical interests include recurrent fever, periodic fever, adverse events after vaccination and vaccine benefits. Edwards has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in the fields of pertussis, pneumococcus, and influenza. Recently, she has been monitoring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in children and the protective effects against multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Edwards serves on multiple data safety and monitoring boards and has been a frequent advisor for the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine policy.
The Currey family is known in the Nashville area for their philanthropic spirit, entrepreneurial drive and love for the equine industry. Sharing an affection for horses, siblings Brownlee Currey and Margaret Currey Henley, were longtime supporters of the Iroquois Steeplechase, the National Steeplechase Association and many other equine-focused organizations. Currey served as a Trustee of the Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United States Equestrian Team. Henley’s dedication to the National Steeplechase Association has led to a race being named in her honor, The Margaret Currey Henley Stakes.
“This is the Super Bowl of steeplechasing. It is an honor to carry on the legacy of my aunt and father in growing and supporting this premier Nashville event,” said Christian Currey, Brownlee Currey’s son and Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee Member. “My father understood the value of the Iroquois Steeplechase and what it brought to the community. It is Nashville’s finest day. I encourage new Nashvillians to come and enjoy the tradition.”
The Currey’s have not only supported these events but are fierce competitors. Although they have had many horses compete at the highest level in many disciplines, Margaret is a five-time winner of the Calvin Houghland Iroquois. In 2022, you can see the Currey family in the winner’s circle at Iroquois Steeplechase presenting the trophy to the winner of the Margaret Currey Henley Stakes.
“When the co-chairs are chosen, we look for community members that represent the essence of the Iroquois Steeplechase. Dr. Kathryn M. Edwards’ longtime dedication to the research and safety of vaccines has become ever more prevalent in recent years and has had a profound effect not only in Nashville but globally,” said Dwight Hall, Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee. “The Currey Family is as intertwined with Iroquois Steeplechase as horses. The support of the entire family throughout the years has been integral to the growth and continuation of our event every year.”
About The Iroquois Steeplechase
The Iroquois Steeplechase is an iconic sporting event that has been Nashville’s rite of spring since 1941. Held the second Saturday of each May at Percy Warner Park, the annual event attracts more than 25,000 spectators and is Music City’s celebration of time-honored traditions, Tennessee hospitality and southern fashions. The event also supports several philanthropic causes and has donated nearly $11 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt since 1981. To learn more about Steeplechase, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.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 2021, Children’s Hospital was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 15th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Children’s Hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee, and in a new regional ranking, sharing 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
