Tennessee
At 12, Tennessee stroke survivor finds hope, home away from home in Atlanta
Long recovery after 10-year-old’s stroke
Stone Gilley was a healthy, typical 10-year-old before the East Tennessee boy’s life was upended by a series of bleeds in his brain.
ATLANTA – Stone Gilley of Chattanooga is 120 miles from home, working his way back.
“If you didn’t know, you would never know that Stone has been through everything he’s been through,” his mother Sara Gilley says.
She and her 12-year-old are at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s outpatient rehabilitation program for two weeks.
“This is our second round of robotics intensive (rehabilitation therapy),” Gilley says.
Stone Gilley at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta during a session of his outpatient rehabilitation program. (FOX 5)
Dog alerts family to 10-year-old’s stroke
The Gilleys lives changed in August 2022, when Stone and his twin sister, Sadie, were 10.
Their family dog, Princess, woke Sara, agitated and barking.
“She’s our little hero,” she says. “She woke me up about 5:15 in the morning to let me know something was wrong with Stone. He was breathing weirdly from the hallway. And come to find out, he had a ruptured aneurysm in his sleep and two strokes.”
Stone Gilley, at 10, was rushed to Children’s at Erlanger after suffering a stroke. (Supplied)
Stone Gilley, who was non-responsive, was rushed to Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
“We were in the PICU for four weeks when he had a third stroke from vasospasms,” Sara Gilley says. “So, he lost all function in his body.”
10-year-old in a coma following stroke
Stone Gilley, at 10, was rushed to Children’s at Erlanger after suffering a stroke. (Supplied)
Stone was in a medically induced coma for weeks, and when they tried to bring him out of it, his mother says, it was a struggle.
“We couldn’t get him to come to, until we got his twin sister, Sadie, on the phone,” she says. “And, she said, ‘All right, Bubba, it’s time to wake up,’ And he did. And we were able to extubate him then.”
The brain bleeding had done a lot of damage.
“He couldn’t talk,” Sara Gilley says. “He couldn’t eat. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t move somewhat on his left side, but not much.”
Sadie sits next to her twin brother’s bed after he suffered a stroke. (Supplied)
That is when the Gilleys found themselves at Children’s Healthcare for their first six-week stay.
“They told us that he was going to walk out of there,” his mother says, her voice choking. “I didn’t believe him, but he did.”
Ronald McDonald House helps family of 10-year-old stroke victim
Each time they come back to Atlanta, the Gilleys stay at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House near Scottish Rite.
“It’s like a home away from home,” Stone Gilley says.
Stone Gilley at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta during a session of his outpatient rehabilitation program. (FOX 5)
On weekends, Sadie and their dad come to Ronald McDonald House, too.
“Just to have a clean, comfortable place to be in the midst of a very difficult time is, there’s no way to tell you how important it is to people like us,” Sara Gilley says.
And with each visit, Stone Gilley is making progress.
“His numbers from last year to this year are incredible,” his mother says. “You can see that he has gained a lot of strength and function in what seem like little, tiny ways, but are really big ways to us. So, he’s made a huge, huge comeback.”
Stone Gilley walks out of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after a session of his outpatient rehabilitation program. (FOX 5)
Sara Gilley says Stone and Sadie have taught her to celebrate every small step.
“We look at life, at the big things, the big events, graduation and marriage, but every moment, from the moment they wake up to the moment they lay their head down and everything in between is precious,” Gilley says. “Be in it, be in every second of it, because life can change in an instant.”
Stone Gilley is now back in school with his twin sister.
On March 11, 2024, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities celebrated its 45th anniversary.
Gas prices on March 5 have gone up 27 cents in both the U.S., and in Tennessee compared to one week ago, which likely relates to the war in Iran, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group.
The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.25. Tennessee’s average on March 5 is $2.84, according to AAA.
The last time the national average made a similar weekly jump was back in March of 2022 during the start of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, AAA said.
“Oil prices are rising largely due to growing instability in a region that is essential to global energy markets,” AAA spokesperson Megan Cooper said. “Although the U.S. does not import oil from Iran, the country remains a major producer, supplying nations such as China and India. Any potential disruption to Iranian oil infrastructure can influence global supply expectations.”
Middle Tennessee county averages include:
- Davidson County: $2.90
- Williamson County: $3.12
- Rutherford County: $2.87
- Wilson County: $2.88
- Sumner County: $2.89
- Robertson County: $2.90
- Cheatham County: $2.92
- Maury County: $2.85.
Crude oil pricing correlates to about 60% of what consumers pay at the pump, Cooper said. Recent global tensions tied to the conflict with Iran are adding upward pressure on crude oil prices, according to AAA.
Also, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical connection for the Persian Gulf to open waters as a shipping lane for crude oil. Because oil is traded globally, a shortfall in one region can impact prices throughout the world.
Tennessee and the southeast portion of the U.S. consistently rank among the least expensive markets for fuel. Proximity to refineries and pipeline infrastructure are major reasons for less expensive gas, according to AAA.
Tennessee is currently the fourth least expensive market in the U.S. for gas. The last time Tennessee’s average was over $3 per gallon for regular unleaded gas was August 2024.
Refineries are also starting the process of producing summer-blend gasoline. which contains additives to help reduce evaporation during warmer months and adds to the cost. Gas demand generally increases with the spring break season and the expectation of more road trips.
Disclaimer: This story was created by reporter Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of information gathering, review, editing and publishing.
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One of the nation’s fast-rising 7v7 events made it back to the Atlanta area as The Sevens 7v7 tournament was held at Peachtree Ridge High School over the weekend.
Many of the top organizations across the country registered and entered the tournament such as Hustle INC, C1N, NPA, 24K Cold Hearts, and Fast Houston.
The amount of star power each brand displayed with many of the top athletes from all of the country was insane to fathom.
One of the nation’s coveted 2028 cornerbacks was in attendance as Jermaine Cobbins and NPA showed up on a mission.
NPA earned the number 1 seed during pool play on the first day of the event. The team fell just short of the championship game, but the players went down swinging.
Vols on SI caught up with Cobbins to discuss any recruiting updates, and to shed light on an off-field story that deserves some attention.
Jermaine Cobbins Update
“The recruitment is going great,” Cobbins said.
“You know, a lot of teams are showing love,” Cobbins continued. Alabama, Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M were a few schools mentioned to be showing a lot of love to the Tennessee native.
Cobbins has plans to get on the road once dead period is over.
March 2- Auburn
March 6- USC (potentially)
March 13- Alabama
March 17- Georgia
March 19- Tennessee
March 21- Vanderbilt
As Cobbins is wrapping up his sophomore year and on his way to becoming a junior, the pace will pick up as schools will come on stronger as some will fall back. The talented defender has to check boxes of his on while spending time with each school.
“The main thing I’ll be looking for is probably how much love are they going to be showing, their background (track record), and how the coaches coach,” Cobbins explained.
With a visit to Rocky Top in a few weeks looming, this will be the first time Cobbins has made it to Tennessee since the staff changes on the defense.
Cobbins had a relationship with Coach Michael Hunter Jr., who joined the Volunteers staff for a very short time before taking an opportunity in the NFL.
“Me and the corners coach had a great relationship, he came (to UT) but he left out for the NFL, so kudos to him. Love that for him. I’ve met Coach Poindexter. He’s a great coach,” Cobbins said.
The coaching staff at Tennessee stands out to the Springfield (TN) student-athlete as, “they coach at a high level.” Cobbins would go on to describe how the Vols pulling in great talent truly has an impact because you get to practice against some talented players day in and day out.
Cobbins Gives Back
Cobbins recently had the opportunity to give back to the next generation, and it was no surprise to see this act carried out, so Vols on SI had to ask about this act of kindness before concluding the interview.
“That was very important (to me), you know. It just really made me feel good inside. I always love giving back to the little kids, especially from my hometown,” Cobbins said with a smile.
Cobbins understands the small-town life, and how such a simple gesture can make a huge difference. Talent aside, this is an A+ young man.
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Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Vanderbilt basketball guard Frankie Collins is leaving the program, head coach Mark Byington announced on Tuesday night. The news comes just days before the Commodores are set to face off against Tennessee in the regular season finale, with the Volunteers looking to clinch a top-four seed and double-bye in the SEC Tournament.
Why it matters
Collins was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, but injuries limited him to just nine games this season. His departure leaves the Commodores shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against their in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep.
The details
The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 7.8 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, but suffered a meniscus injury in December that sidelined him for the majority of the year. With the emergence of sophomore point guard Tyler Tanner and Oklahoma transfer Duke Miles, Collins never quite found his footing in the Vanderbilt lineup.
- Frankie Collins left the Vanderbilt program on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
- Vanderbilt is scheduled to face Tennessee on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
The players
Frankie Collins
A 6-foot-1 guard who was Vanderbilt’s most highly touted transfer last offseason, coming to Nashville after spending the 2024-25 season at TCU and the three prior years at Arizona State and Michigan.
Mark Byington
The head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores basketball team.
Tyler Tanner
The sophomore point guard who emerged as a key player for Vanderbilt this season.
Duke Miles
An Oklahoma transfer shooting guard who joined the Vanderbilt roster this season.
Rick Barnes
The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.
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What they’re saying
“Frankie has left Nashville, and he’s not gonna be on the team. It’s gonna be good for both sides of it. We wish him well. So we’ll roll with the guys we got.”
— Mark Byington, Head Coach, Vanderbilt Commodores (rockytopinsider.com)
What’s next
With a victory over Vanderbilt, Tennessee will clinch a top four-seed and a double-bye in next week’s SEC Tournament. Vanderbilt could potentially earn a double-bye themselves with a win and a little extra help.
The takeaway
The loss of Frankie Collins leaves Vanderbilt shorthanded heading into a crucial matchup against in-state rival Tennessee, who are seeking to complete a regular season sweep. The Commodores will have to rely on the emergence of players like Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles to try and pull off the upset and keep their own postseason hopes alive.
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