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Steven Tinkham was always proud of his active lifestyle. A born athlete, he grew up to find passion in biking and bodybuilding. But by the time he reached his 40s, an undiagnosed condition was beginning to take its toll—one joint at a time.

Janette Platter is the community chaplain at Saint Luke’s Bishop Spencer Place, a vibrant senior living community just steps from the Country Club Plaza. But in early 2025, she was just another mom seeking the very best care for her child. Fortunately, she knew it wasn’t too far away.

After 5-year-old Hildie Platter was diagnosed with selective mutism a year and a half ago, her mother, Janette Platter, turned to The Children's SPOT (Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy) for rehabilitative speech services through play therapy.

To combat rising maternal mortality, researchers at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and UMKC are leading a first of its kind study to create better care for moms with heart conditions during pregnancy.

The four-year observational study will research U.S. pregnant people with cardiovascular disease to better understand and combat maternal mortality and morbidity.

In the past, many women born with a heart condition were told they would not be able to birth children safely.