The Glennon Factor

A Powerful "Why" for Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link, Pediatric Oncologist | Episode 19 Highlight

Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link reflects on her friendship with a 13-year-old fellow cancer patient she met during treatment when she was 19. He became like a younger brother to her. Despite knowing he would die, he showed remarkable wisdom and encouraged Maggie, even telling her their friendship made his cancer journey worthwhile. In a final hospital visit before he went home on hospice, he reassured Maggie that she would go on to help kids like him, a promise that deeply shaped her life and career. Today, Maggie honors his memory by caring for patients wholeheartedly, believing that meaningful relationships can be as impactful as medical breakthroughs. 

The Road From Pediatric Oncology Patient to Pediatric Oncology Doctor | Episode 19 Highlight

Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at 19, just as she had been selected for a prestigious cancer research position at St. Jude, forcing her to put her dreams on hold. During a difficult year of treatment, the resilience and hope she witnessed in other children inspired her to survive and dedicate her life to helping patients. Today, she feels blessed not only to have overcome cancer but also to fulfill her calling as a pediatric oncologist, turning her suffering into purpose. Visit glennon.org/podcast for more information and don't forget to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode 19 - But I had plans...

This episode of The Glennon Factor explores the deeply personal and intertwined cancer journeys of Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link, a pediatric oncologist and cancer survivor, and Adam, her teenage patient currently undergoing leukemia treatment. The conversation highlights how unexpected diagnoses disrupt identity, friendships, and life plans, while also forging profound connections between patients, families, and caregivers. Dr. Maggie shares how surviving cancer at 19 shaped her calling to pediatric oncology and her focus on empathy, quality of life, and long-term treatment effects, while Adam reflects on resilience, gratitude, and finding escape and healing through dirt bike racing. Both discuss faith, coping strategies, and the balance between maturity and normalcy after trauma. The episode ultimately emphasizes how suffering can foster purpose, compassion, and meaningful human connection within pediatric healthcare.

Ep. 19 Sneak Peek

In this highlight, Dr. Maggie Cupit-Link and Adam, introduce themselves to The Glennon Factor Podcast. The full episode explores the unique, deeply personal and intertwined cancer journeys of Dr. Maggie, who is both a pediatric oncologist and cancer survivor, and Adam, her teenage patient currently undergoing leukemia treatment.

“The Glennon Factor” | Episode 6 Highlight

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital President, Hossain Marandi, MD gives us his take on what “The Glennon Factor” is.

 

From Episode 6 - The American Dream

There’s No Rules in Cancer | Episode 1 Highlight

Sophie gives her advice to another patient that would have a similar diagnosis. It’s hard to think of any words that would be more wise than what she has to say.

 

From Episode 1 - The Tumor Funeral

Matt Holliday’s Greatest Achievement | Episode 5 Highlight

Matt Holliday explains how his work with Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is his greatest achievement.

 

From Episode 05 - The Hollidays

How Cardinal Glennon Neurosurgeons Are Using Virtual Reality to Simulate Real Surgeries | Episode 18 Highlight

Dr. Andrew White, Chief of Medicine at Cardinal Glennon, shares how augmented reality is transforming neurosurgical planning. Physicians can now visualize and interact with a patient’s brain and vascular system in 3D using VR headsets, allowing for precise mapping and simulation of surgical procedures. This cutting-edge technology is already being used in real cases to improve outcomes and decision-making.

 

From Episode 18 - Will robots replace our doctors? The Next Generation of Medical Technology