The true measure of any gift is the passion behind it. Every gift arises from a special place in the heart to make a difference, honor a memory, inspire a new generation or turn today’s miracle into tomorrow’s commonplace. Some 30 years ago the cure rates for childhood cancer were no better than 20 percent. Today they exceed 80 percent. Such reversals of despair to hope reverberate throughout medical philanthropy. World-class medicine like that found at Vanderbilt Medical Center is especially rich in stories of gratitude, hope and the successful quest for answers.