Cardinal Glennon / Services & Programs / Pediatric Transplant Services / Patient Success Stories

Patient Success Stories

Almost 1,963 pediatric patients in the US are waiting for an organ donation. At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, the pediatric transplant team is committed to giving these children a second chance. We share these patient stories to offer comfort, hope, and inspiration from other parents who have been where you are. Know that you are not alone - our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Abbi's Kidney Transplant

Despite the medical hurdles Abbi has faced, she continues to live life with a positive attitude and smile. Abbi and her family knew at an early age that she would need a kidney transplant and the care she’s received at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital has been exceptional and Abbi’s care team has become part of her extended family, including the inspiration for her future career as a nurse.

Watch Abbi's Story

Chas' Kidney Transplant

From a very young age, Chas and his family learned of the news that one day, he would need a life-saving kidney donation. When Chas was 14, he received a kidney from a donor. His family is grateful to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital and the SLUCare physicians and transplant team for giving Chas his lifesaving transplant. Now he's back to being an energetic and happy teenager.

Watch Chas' Story

Kaylin's Liver Transplant

At only six months old, Kaylin was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease. While living donors can donate a kidney, bone marrow or a partial liver, Kaylin needed a full liver transplant to survive.

When she was just 18 months old, Kaylin received a new liver from a donor. Her family is grateful to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital and the SLUCare physicians and transplant care team for giving Kaylin her lifesaving transplant. Now she' back to being an energetic, healthy little girl.

Watch Kaylin's Story

Liam's Heart Transplant

When Liam was an infant, doctors couldn't figure out the cause of his coughing and wheezing. One day shortly before his second birthday, Liam was so sick, he was rushed to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. There, his family learned that Liam had an enlarged heart - and it was killing him. At just 21 months old, Liam needed a heart transplant.

He received the gift of life - his new heart - on Christmas day. After a six month hospital stay, during which the the staff at Cardinal Glennon became family, Liam went home. His family is forever thankful for his new heart and for the care he received while in the hospital. Today Liam is a thriving little boy.

Watch Liam's Story

Michael's Kidney Transplant

Sarah, Michael’s mother, first discovered something was wrong when she was 28 weeks pregnant. With too little amniotic fluid, the doctors told her Michael’s kidneys were not developing. After he was born, Michael was immediately transferred to the NICU at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital into the care of the SLUCare pediatric nephrology team, where the family learned that Michael's kidneys were only functioning at 8 percent. Michael would need a kidney transplant for the chance to live a life off of dialysis.