Emily Cullman understands firsthand how impactful receiving care at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital can be. For more than 12 years, she has worked at the hospital, first serving in the respiratory department before becoming a respiratory therapist on the transport team. “The bond you create with patients and their families is one of the main reasons I love working here,” she notes. “It’s amazing getting to know them, watching them get better and seeing them get to go home.”
Cullman experienced the other side of care at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon while pregnant with her daughter, Clara. At her 20-week ultrasound, she and her husband, Paul, received unexpected news. Doctors found a bright spot on their baby’s intestine. Known as an echogenic bowel, it can be an indicator of serious health concerns, including cystic fibrosis. “I knew I was a CF carrier before the ultrasound, but I hadn’t thought much about it because neither my husband’s family nor mine has a history of the disease,” Cullman explains. “My husband got tested, and it revealed that he also is a carrier.”
With her experience as a respiratory therapist, Cullman knew her daughter would be dealing with the impact of cystic fibrosis for the rest of her life. The disease affects how the body makes mucus, causing problems with breathing, digestion and growth. For newborns, the condition often means surgeries and extended stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The couple began working with the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon St. Louis Fetal Care Institute to help ensure Clara could experience a safe and healthy birth.
While meeting with Dr. Christopher Buchanan and their care team, the Cullmans learned about an innovative medicine for cystic fibrosis. It had greatly helped people living with the disease, and research indicated there was potential for its use during pregnancy. “We used to see a lot of CF patients in the respiratory department, but since the drug came out in 2019, we don’t as often,” Cullman says. “I told the doctors I was willing to try anything that was going to help my daughter.” The SSM Health Cardinal Glennon team helped Cullman get the treatment approved by insurance, and Clara became one of the first infants in the U.S. to receive cystic fibrosis treatment in utero.
The medication worked. Clara was born without dangerous complications or needing to stay in the NICU. And how is she doing today? “Absolutely thriving,” Cullman says. “She’s in the very top weight percentile for her age. You wouldn’t even know she has cystic fibrosis.” Cullman continued to take the medication while breastfeeding, and at 6 months, Clara was approved for her own dose. As she gets older, more treatment options will become available if necessary.
For Cullman, making the transition from employee to patient was a difficult one, but she felt supported by the team at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon every step of the way. “Going into appointments can be scary—you never know when you’ll learn something bad,” she says. “Everyone at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon was so reassuring and empathetic. They had multiple teams working together to make sure Clara was born healthy. They felt like family to me. As an employee, seeing the experience from the other side was extraordinary.”
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon relies on the support of the community to continue serving patients like the Cullman family. One of the hospital’s major fundraising initiatives is the Glennon Card, a discount shopping program. Each fall, the purchase of a $70 card unlocks a 20% discount at hundreds of retailers, eateries and attractions. This year, 100% of card sales will benefit The Devoted Fund for the construction of a new
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. The program is organized by the hospital’s foundation and the Glennon Guild, a women’s auxiliary.
This year’s shopping period is Oct. 16 to 25, and more than 340 businesses are participating. Among them is Little Derby, a locally-owned children’s boutique in Ladue. For co-owner Elizabeth Barrett, the program is a natural fit. “As lifelong St. Louis residents, we’ve always been aware of the great work that SSM Health Cardinal Glennon does,” she says. “The hospital is a true pillar of our community, helping so many families across St. Louis. Participating in the Glennon Card program allows us to support a cause that directly funds critical, compassionate healthcare for children.”
The Glennon Card shopping period will offer the perfect opportunity for a head start on holiday shopping. Barrett notes that Little Derby will have its seasonal clothing available, including holiday photo outfits, sibling-matching sets, festive dresses and cozy winter wear. “We can’t wait to help you gear up for the holidays!” Barrett notes. “The Glennon Card program directly changes lives in our region and demonstrates the true heart of the St. Louis community. We encourage everyone to buy their cards and explore all the wonderful participating local businesses.”
Purchase a Glennon Card for 10 days of savings at local retailers, eateries and attractions Oct. 16 to 25 while supporting SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Pictured on the cover: Glennon kid Clara at Little Derby. Visit GlennonCard.org for additional information.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Photos courtesy of SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation
