Footprints℠ Program

Footprints℠ is a program unique to SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. This program and its staff are dedicated to improving the quality of life for children living with pediatric cancer and other complex medical illnesses, as well as families being cared for at the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon St. Louis Fetal Care Institute. Our team of board-certified SLUCare Physician Group pediatric specialists, registered nurses, and support staff are committed to supporting your journey, providing the comfort, advocacy, and support your family needs to cope and thrive.

Our team works with you on an ongoing basis to identify challenging issues which arise while caring for your child. With your help, we prepare a comprehensive plan centered on the comfort of your child while respecting the values and beliefs of your family.

The Goals of Footprints℠

Comfort

Footprints℠ has grown out of years of experience in caring for children with life-threatening illnesses. With Footprints℠, your child’s comfort is our top priority. Our team collaborates directly with doctors that specialize in pain control, making sure your child’s pain and symptoms are properly managed. With the help of pastoral care and Child Life, we also nurture your child’s emotional and spiritual well-being, contributing greatly to the overall healing process.

Advocacy

Our team strives to be a voice for your child and family while in the hospital, and in your community. We do so all while respecting your values and beliefs. We help you make complex medical decisions by focusing on what’s in the best interest of your child and family. One of the ways we do this is by helping create advanced care plans. These plans outline your family’s wishes and treatment goals. Once a plan is completed, we coordinate with all of your child’s health care providers to strongly align your needs with the resources available.

Support

We start by listening to your concerns and wishes, and continue facilitating communication with your child’s doctors, nurses and community health providers. This is the most effective way to ensure your family goals, concerns, and wishes are honored. Our team also coordinates resources and care with social services so you feel continually supported. If needed, we also offer bereavement and other emotional support services.

We realize this can be a difficult time for parents and family members. While focusing on the comfort of your child, we offer a kind, gentle touch as we lead your child and family over a difficult path. No family needs to go through it alone.

To reach The Footprints℠ team, call us at 314-268-4110. We can also be reached toll-free at 877-557-2847. Our hours are  8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Because our team is often visiting with patients and families, please leave a message if you are unable to speak to someone personally.

If you are trying to reach us after hours, please contact our pastoral care team at 314-268-2700, ext. 1168. If you’re in the hospital, you can dial 1168 from any hospital phone.