The Glennon Factor

Fatima Negron-Krauss, the office lead of the Danis CARES Program in the Danis Pediatrics Center, tells a story of a new mother of a one‑week‑old baby called to cancel a bilirubin redraw because she had no transportation to the hospital. After the appointment staff alerted Fatima, she arranged a ride for the family and also helped secure transportation for the baby’s upcoming weight‑check appointment while their insurance was still pending. Months later, the mother continues to express heartfelt gratitude for the support that helped her reach Cardinal Glennon during those crucial early weeks. Efforts like this at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital show the lengths taken to help care for the community.

Adam Brandt, a teenage oncology patient at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital,, finds strength and escape through dirt bike racing, which gives him an adrenaline rush and a sense of normalcy. “Adam’s Pit Crew” represents the close group of family and friends who support him at races, fueling his bike and cheering him on. But it's also the same people supporting him through his cancer journey. For Adam, racing is more than a hobby—it’s a vital coping mechanism that helps him face the challenges of cancer.

 

Visit glennon.org/podcast for more information and don't forget to subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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