Have a Field Day: Glennon Gallop

All children need regular visits to the doctor to ensure they grow up happy and healthy, but not all families have medical insurance or other resources necessary to make that possible. The Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital provides outpatient care and other support to children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay. To help ensure it never has to turn away a child, the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation raises funds for the center through Glennon Gallop, its annual polo match and party.

This year’s event will bring guests fieldside Sept. 16 at August Busch Polo Club in Defiance. Along with watching an exciting polo match, participants can choose from two experiences. At the Field-Side Party, guests can choose to tailgate or watch from the bleachers. The VIP Experience offers access to a climate-controlled tent where they can enjoy fine wine, a luncheon and auction. “It’s not every day that you get to watch a polo match—it’s such a unique experience,” says Dr. Heidi Sallee, the center’s medical director. “Plus, purchasing a ticket or donating makes a huge difference for Danis Pediatric Center.”

The clinic was originally designed to receive 5,000 patients annually. Now, Danis Pediatric Center’s two locations are visited more than 21,000 times each year. To meet the rising demand for services, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon opened a new location in Tower Grove earlier this year, replacing its Midtown clinic. Located at the corner of Kingshighway Boulevard and Arsenal Street, the Tower Grove location offers more than double the exam space for patients. With a dedicated parking lot and easy access to public transportation, the clinic also eliminates barriers to access families previously faced with the Midtown location.

The funds raised by Glennon Gallop not only fuel growth like the new Tower Grove clinic, but also help Danis Pediatric Center provide important resources to patients and their families. Around 75% of patients live below the poverty line, and families receive a questionnaire at well child checkups to determine if they are dealing with concerns like food insecurity, parental depression and more. “The Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation’s support allows us to have family care navigators who meet with families and connect them to resources,” Sallee explains. “We also are able to provide important items like diapers, nonperishable meals and pack-and-plays for families who need safe sleep environments for babies.”

The families who visit Danis Pediatrics Center represent a wide diversity of economic, race, gender and cultural backgrounds—a true reflection of the St. Louis community. More than 20 languages are spoken by patients and their families, including sign language. Without the generosity of St. Louisans, the doctors and staff at the clinic would not be able to provide critical services to so many children. “The support from Glennon Gallop really does make a tangible difference in kids’ lives,” Sallee notes. “It’s something I see every day working as a pediatrician. We’re very appreciative to have the community rally around Danis Pediatric Center and our patients.”

Glennon Gallop, Sept. 16 at August Busch Polo Club in Defiance, supports the Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit glennon.org/gallop.

Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation

Glennon Gallop raises funds for Danis Pediatric Center.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation