KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)- East Tennessee Children's Hospital has reached a major milestone....it's been saving lives for nearly eight decades now.

On Sunday, the hospital celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Faculty and staff hosted a birthday party with clowns, plenty of sweets and fun activities for kids.

Everyone in the community was invited and so were former patients.

Those with the hospital tell us it was a celebration and a reminder to folks in the area that they have a place families can turn to when needed.

Pat Scott with East Tennessee Children's Hospital says, "I don't think people realize how lucky they are to have the Children's Hospital here. You know. We've always had it. It's just a one of a kind thing that we're really grateful for."

The hospital also held its annual telethon on Sunday...a major fundraiser for the facility.