When Cheri and Terrion Cross married, they brought two families together, and the couple hoped to bring more children into their happy blended home. Following an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, they were thrilled to welcome a new baby girl, Makayla, in 2017. That joy, however, was tempered by a phone call when their daughter was just six weeks old. Makayla’s newborn screen revealed that she had Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), an inherited red blood cell disorder. “It was like time stopped for a minute,” Cheri recalls. “I had so many questions. What did we need to do next? Was she going to be OK?”
Makayla’s pediatrician referred the Crosses to the The Costas Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital to meet with a hematologist. “That first appointment was informative and overwhelming at the same time,” Cheri says. “We discussed her treatment protocol and everything we would need to be watching for at home.” SCD is a disease that worsens over time. Symptoms and complications are different for each person and can range from mild to acute. Makayla was diagnosed with Type SS, which is also known as sickle cell anemia. It is the most severe form of the disease.
In SCD, hemoglobin is abnormal. Instead of round, it forms a C-shape, similar to a sickle. These cells can clog blood vessels and die early, resulting in pain, infection and stroke. Since her diagnosis, Makayla has dealt with many illnesses, including flu, pneumonia, pain crises and acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication that occurs when sickle cells block blood flow to the lungs. SSM Health Cardinal Glennon has been with the family every step of the way. “If I’m worried about something, I can reach out, and The Costas Center will immediately respond, day or night,” Cheri notes.
For the Cross family, the staff at the hospital helps make overwhelming and frightening situations more manageable. Not only are they proactive in caring for Makayla, they treat everyone with kindness and understanding. “Our journey with the hospital has been simply amazing,” Cheri says. “I call Makayla a frequent flyer because she’s there so often. From the residents and doctors to the nurses and security, everyone is so welcoming, kind and caring. SCD isn’t a disease where you wake up one day and are OK. Every morning is a question of how Makayla is feeling, but I know we have a great team in our corner.”
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon relies on the support of the community to continue serving patients like the Cross family. One of the hospital’s major fundraising initiatives is the Glennon Card, a discount shopping program that allows St. Louisans to directly support its young patients. Each fall, the purchase of a $60 card unlocks a 20% discount at hundreds of retailers, eateries and attractions, and 100% of card sales benefit the hospital. The program is organized by the hospital’s foundation and the Glennon Guild, a women’s auxiliary that supports the hospital.
This year’s shopping period is Oct. 17 to 26, and more than 340 businesses are participating. Among them is Story Seven, a locally-owned gift and home boutique in Webster Groves. For co-owner Sarah Jozwiakowski, the program is a natural fit. She began her career as a nurse at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon, and her daughter is currently in clinicals to become a nurse practitioner at the hospital. “Cardinal Glennon has a special place in my heart,” she notes. “I also love how the Glennon Card program connects so many businesses while encouraging local shopping.”
Story Seven has been a part of the Glennon Card initiative since the store opened its doors in 2019. The shopping period is a perfect time for customers to get a jump start on holiday purchases while taking advantage of the discount. Co-owner Melanie Bennett is impressed by the program the Glennon Guild has developed. “It’s unlike any fundraiser I’ve seen before—the Glennon Card is a very special thing for St. Louis,” she says. “It brings us together collectively to support an amazing cause, which always makes more of an impact. As St. Louisans, we are so fortunate to have Cardinal Glennon right in our backyard.”
For Cheri, the Glennon Card is an excellent example of the difference that community support can make. Living in Illinois, she was not aware of the program until Makayla needed SSM Health Cardinal Glennon’s services, but she’s grateful that her family now can help promote the initiative. “We’re happy to spread the news,” she says. “Everyone can support excellent health care for children, and that’s what the hospital provides. I always tell families who are struggling with health concerns, just take your baby to Cardinal Glennon.”
Purchase a Glennon Card for 10 days of savings at local retailers, eateries and attractions Oct. 17 to 26 while supporting SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Pictured on the cover: Webster Groves Boutique
Story Seven , a proud Glennon Card Participant, gears up for the shopping period. Visit glennoncard.org for additional information.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Photos courtesy of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation