2024 Thankful Threads Cardinal Glennon Tee

My name is Corinne, and I have been blessed to be the mother of 3 beautiful daughters. A few years ago, my middle daughter, Kinley, was the victim of a tragic accident. She was hit by a vehicle when we were out of town during a family trip. She was air-lifted from the local hospital to Cardinal Glennon, and we had to say goodbye to her two days later when it was determined she had an irreversible loss of brain function. During the days following the accident, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon provided not only the best possible clinical care, but the critical emotional support necessary to move us through that time. From the willingness and speed with which they transported her “home” to Cardinal Glennon on the helicopter, to the expert clinicians and subspecialists consulting about her care, we felt assured we were in the best hands. When her body and all testing told us she was not going to be a physical survivor, the team moved mountains to ensure to their best abilities that we would emotionally survive this nightmare that no parent or sibling wishes to face. Hours of hand-holding from nursing staff, Child Life visits and visits from Thor the facility dog for my other two daughters, intentional memory-making efforts and grief support – these are just a few of the things that made an incredible impact on an otherwise impossible time.

“I met Thor when I walked into my sister’s hospital room and saw him laying on her bed. He comforted me during a rough time and made me feel better about myself and my life when that was really hard. He brings me happiness every time I see him and I wanted to draw him because I want more people to know about him. I hope that more people can meet Thor or hear about him and that he can comfort them too.” – Carter (artist)