BREAKING THROUGH with Madeline Bell

Special Bonus Episode: Addy and Lily’s Separation Story

When Addy and Lily Altobelli were born in CHOP’s Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit, they needed highly specialized care because they were conjoined – their bodies were connected at the chest wall, diaphragm and liver. After spending almost a year in intensive care at CHOP, they were separated during a 10-hour surgery – and today, they’re thriving. Their parents, Dom and Maggie, join Madeline to share their daughters’ incredible story.

Incredible stories like Addy and Lily's would not be possible without continued advancement by dedicated researchers and clinicians at CHOP and generous philanthropic support from partners like you. Click here to donate.

“Do What You Love”: Finding Medicines for Rare Diseases

Hematologist and oncologist Denise Adams, MD, specializes in treating vascular anomalies, which occur when arteries, capillaries, veins or lymphatic vessels fail to develop correctly. She joins Madeline to discuss what the future holds for her field – and the surprising advice that inspired her to move forward in her career.  

“I’ve Always Loved to Ask Why”: The Power of Mitochondrial Medicine

Our mitochondria make the energy that keeps us alive. Geneticist Marni Falk, MD, joins Madeline to discuss what happens when our mitochondria don’t work properly, the breakthroughs she and her team are making for patients with mitochondrial disease, and the importance of having a strong vision for your career.

“There Was an Unmet Need”: Breakthroughs in Endocrinology

While growing up in Panama, Diva DeLeón-Crutchlow, MD, MSCE, always wanted to understand how things worked. She speaks to Madeline about how her curiosity led her to pursue a career in medicine – and the work she’s doing today to develop new treatments for congenital hyperinsulinism and diabetes.

“We Have So Many Spine-Tingling Moments”: Treating Birth Defects Before Birth

Pediatric and fetal surgeon Holly Hedrick, MD, has made life-changing breakthroughs for children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and other rare birth defects. She joins Madeline to talk about the advice her mentors shared with her along the way – and the children who continue to inspire her every day.

“Research Is Our North Star”: The Future of Breakthroughs at CHOP

In 2021, Susan Furth, MD, PhD, was named CHOP’s Chief Scientific Officer, becoming the first woman in CHOP’s 166-year history to hold this prestigious role. She joins Madeline to discuss CHOP’s trailblazing Frontier Programs, the importance of mentorship, and what the future holds for research at CHOP.

Discovered: Making Breakthroughs in Cardiac Care

The team at CHOP’s Cardiac Center has been making life-changing breakthroughs for children for many years. The center’s co-director, pediatric heart surgeon Dr. Jonathan Chen, joins Madeline to discuss his team’s latest innovations – and to share his vision for the future of pediatric cardiac care.

Inspired: Building a World-Class Hospital, Close to Home

This fall, CHOP will celebrate an important milestone: the grand opening of its new hospital in King of Prussia, Pa. Dr. Jan Boswinkel, the Chief Operating Officer of the King of Prussia hospital, joins Madeline to talk about what this milestone means for patients, families and the community – and shares what it’s like to build a new hospital from the ground up.

Realized: Delivering on the Promise of Gene Therapy

World-renowned hematologist and scientist Dr. Katherine High has spent much of her career focused on achieving a goal few believed was possible: developing gene therapies and getting them to patients. Dr. High joins Madeline to talk about her journey from idea to breakthrough – and what it was like to create Spark Therapeutics, a company based on her innovations.

Transformed: Repairing Birth Defects Before Birth

The idea of repairing birth defects before babies are born seemed like a radical one to many. But Dr. Scott Adzick, Director of CHOP’s Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, was determined to pursue it – and today, he’s considered a pioneer in the field of fetal surgery. He shares insights from his remarkable career with Madeline and reveals some of the incredible breakthroughs that are on the horizon for his team.