BREAKING THROUGH with Madeline Bell

Game Plan for Giving Back: Philadelphia Eagles President Don Smolenski

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500

For Philadelphia Eagles President and longtime Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) volunteer Don Smolenski, success is built on trust and care – and connecting with the community means everything. In the new episode of Breaking Through, Don joins Madeline to talk about what the team means to the city – and what makes the partnership between the Eagles and CHOP so special. It’s an inspiring conversation that highlights how a collaboration built on shared values can make a difference for an entire community.

Advancing Gene Therapy: Personalized Gene Editing

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:05:00 -0400

When baby KJ was diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder, the team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) had a unique treatment option for him: a personalized gene editing therapy developed in collaboration with Penn Medicine. On this episode, Madeline speaks to CHOP geneticist Dr. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, who describes how KJ’s first-of-its-kind treatment was developed – and what this amazing breakthrough means for other patients.

Advancing Gene Therapy: KJ’s Story

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Earlier this year, baby KJ became the first patient in the world to receive a personalized gene editing therapy, which was developed by a team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine. In June, KJ went home after spending more than 300 days at CHOP. On this episode of Breaking Through, Madeline speaks to KJ’s parents, Kyle and Nicole, about the treatment that changed KJ’s life – and how he’s doing today.

Celebrating Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the life and legacy of one of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s original breakthrough makers: pediatric oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans. In 1969, Dr. Evans became the first woman to serve as Chief of CHOP’s Division of Oncology, and she went on to co-found the first Ronald McDonald House.

AUDREY’S CHILDREN, a film based on Dr. Evans’ life, will be released in theaters across the United States on March 28. In this episode of Breaking Through, Julia Fisher Farbman, the film’s producer and writer, joins Madeline to discuss Dr. Evans’ extraordinary life and career.

New Frontiers in Injury Prevention

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:04:00 -0400

Teams at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are committed to delivering breakthroughs for patients, including keeping them safe from injury – the leading cause of death and acquired disability for children. In this episode of Breaking Through, Madeline talks to CHOP expert Dr. Kristy Arbogast about how caregivers can keep kids safe during fall sports season and beyond – and about the work CHOP’s Center for Injury Research and Prevention is leading to find new ways to prevent and treat concussions. They also discuss Dr. Arbogast’s role on the NFL Engineering Committee, which is focused on developing injury prevention programs for elite athletes.

Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that often causes debilitating pain and life-threatening complications. Many patients with the disease make dozens of ER visits a year, and must receive regular blood transfusions. And though recent breakthroughs in gene therapy are giving patients with sickle cell new hope – and new options – accessing these therapies can be challenging. In this episode of Breaking Through, cell and gene therapy expert Dr. Stephan Grupp and pediatric hematologist Dr. Alexis Thompson join Madeline to talk about how gene therapy for sickle cell disease can transform patients’ lives. They also discuss what teams at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are doing to ensure that these innovative therapies reach the children who need them most.

Mental Health Is Health: Caring for the Whole Child

Mon, 06 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

The team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) believes that mental health is just as important as physical health – and they’re working together to find solutions to the pediatric mental health crisis. In this episode of Breaking Through, Dr. Catharyn Turner, CHOP’s Medical Director of Acute Inpatient Psychiatry, joins Madeline to discuss the innovative work CHOP is leading to improve access to pediatric mental health care, CHOP's new mental health facilities in West Philadelphia, and what’s behind the rise in mental health conditions in children and teens.

Elijah’s Story: Navigating a Medical Mystery

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:53:26 -0400

From the time Elijah was a baby, he had many painful symptoms – and no one could determine what was wrong. But when Elijah was a toddler, his family finally found answers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In this episode of The Breakthrough Chronicles, 12-year-old Elijah and his parents talk to Madeline about how teams at CHOP transformed his health – and his life.

Tenlee’s Story: Thriving After a Heart Transplant

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:53:13 -0400

Tenlee was born with a rare heart condition and had a heart transplant at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia when she was just 5 months old. And though she’s doing well today, her journey has been very challenging. In this episode of The Breakthrough Chronicles, Tenlee’s parents, Jami and Nick, speak with Madeline about the challenges Tenlee has overcome – and how their family’s experience at CHOP changed their lives.

Kareem’s Story: Advocating for Trauma-Informed Care

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:52:57 -0400

While growing up in West Philadelphia, Kareem saw firsthand the devastating impact trauma and violence can have on children. In this episode of The Breakthrough Chronicles, he and Madeline discuss the sport that changed his life – and the role that hospitals like Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have to play in helping children cope with trauma.

Hannah’s Story: Moving Beyond Blindness

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:52:38 -0400

When Hannah was a baby, she was diagnosed with a rare eye disease that usually leaves patients completely blind. But Hannah’s story turned out differently thanks to an incredible gene therapy developed at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine. In this episode of The Breakthrough Chronicles, 11-year-old Hannah and her mom, Amy, share their family’s inspiring story with Madeline – and talk about how this breakthrough treatment changed Hannah’s life.

Emily’s Story: Celebrating 10 Years Cancer Free

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 15:52:13 -0400

Emily was just 6 years old when she received CAR T cell immunotherapy for relapsed leukemia at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Emily was the very first child to receive this groundbreaking treatment – and in 2022, she celebrated 10 years cancer free. In this episode of The Breakthrough Chronicles, Emily and her father, Tom, speak with Madeline about what it’s like to be part of a medical breakthrough – and share what Emily’s life is like today.

Special Bonus Episode: Addy and Lily’s Separation Story

Tue, 24 May 2022 07:00:00 -0400

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

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:27:29 -0400

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

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:27:21 -0400

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

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:27:10 -0400

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

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:27:01 -0400

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

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 11:26:44 -0400

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

Wed, 05 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

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

Wed, 05 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

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

Wed, 05 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

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

Wed, 05 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

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.

Sequenced: Using Genetics to Solve Medical Mysteries

Wed, 05 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Strange symptoms with no clear cause. Medical histories that mystify even the most experienced doctors. Dr. Ian Krantz, Co-Director of CHOP’s Roberts Individualized Medical Genetics Center, specializes in solving “medical mysteries” – and he and his team have found answers for many patients who had almost given up hope. He joins Madeline to discuss the latest advances in precision medicine, why it’s important to share data with other scientists, and more.

Where We Are Now with Dr. Paul Offit: Vaccines

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:59:37 -0400

How do the COVID-19 vaccines work? How concerned should we be about the new COVID-19 variants? Dr. Paul Offit, Director of CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center, is one of the leading voices in the vaccine conversation. On this special bonus episode, he joins Madeline to discuss the COVID-19 vaccines, the cutting-edge technology used to make them, and what the future might look like as more people get vaccinated.

Where We Are Now with Dr. Edward Behrens: MIS-C

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

In the spring, doctors began noticing a mysterious inflammatory condition in children that involved fever, rashes, diarrhea and vomiting. Now known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C, the rare syndrome seems to be a postviral inflammatory response to COVID-19. Dr. Edward Behrens, Chief of the Division of Rheumatology and Director of the Immune Dysregulation Frontier Program, discusses what his team has discovered about MIS-C and what gives him hope for the future.

Where We Are Now with Dr. Audrey Odom John: Research

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Could dogs’ noses hold the answer to a better COVID-19 diagnostic test? Dr. Audrey Odom John, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at CHOP, discusses her efforts to develop a COVID-19 breathalyzer test with help from some four-legged friends – and shares the questions CHOP researchers most want to answer about the disease.

Where We Are Now with Dr. Rebecca Harris: Testing

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Testing is one of the most important tools we have to track and stop the spread of COVID-19, but it comes with many challenges. Dr. Rebecca Harris, Director of CHOP’s Infectious Disease Diagnostics Laboratory, shares the story of how CHOP developed its own COVID-19 test early in the pandemic and describes how her team is finding ways to do more tests, faster, as the pandemic continues.

Where We Are Now with Dr. David Rubin: Modeling

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

While many institutions across the country were modeling the trajectory of COVID-19 at the national level, Dr. David Rubin, and his colleagues at CHOP’s PolicyLab took a more innovative approach: They mapped the spread of the virus at the county level. More than 500 U.S. counties are included in the PolicyLab model, which has been used by local and state policymakers, as well as the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Dr. Rubin discusses how the model came to fruition and shares the most surprising – and important – thing researchers have learned from it.

Where We Are Now with Dr. Susan Coffin: Transmission

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

What makes COVID-19 different from other infectious diseases? Pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Susan Coffin, discusses her research on how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted, talks about how the virus affects children, and shares advice to help parents and families make decisions about everything from playdates to sports.

COMING SOON: Where We Are Now

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 11:14:28 -0400

In “Where We Are Now,” a five-episode special series, Madeline Bell speaks with five CHOP researchers about the COVID-19-related work they are leading – and about what gives them hope during this challenging time. With episodes focused on everything from a modeling tool that forecasts the spread of the virus across more than 500 U.S. counties to a unique COVID-19 test developed in the CHOP labs, the series takes listeners on a journey from the beginning of the pandemic to where we are now.

The Research and Lab of the Future with Dr. Beverly Davidson

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 10:57:02 -0500

Join Madeline in CHOP’s “lab of the future” in the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center. As Director of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics and Chief Scientific Strategy Officer at CHOP, Dr. Davidson is developing innovative gene therapies to treat inherited brain disorders. Listen in as she talks to Madeline about everything from her earliest breakthrough moment to what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated field. You can learn more about supporting research and discovery at CHOP here. #ForBreakthroughs

Using Technology to Fuel Breakthroughs: A Conversation with Dr. Bimal Desai

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:43:01 -0400

Ever wondered what informatics is or how CHOP is using it? Get a peek behind the curtain with CHOP’s Chief Health Informatics Officer, Dr. Bimal Desai. Madeline dives into some of CHOP’s most innovative ideas using technology, like bedside cameras for families to check in on their babies, and what is next for our patients. Learn more about supporting research and discovery at CHOP here. #ForBreakthroughs

Minds Matter: A Concussion Discussion with Dr. Christina Master

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 11:45:52 -0400

Madeline has an in-depth conversation with Dr. Christina Master about CHOP’s interdisciplinary approach to concussion, including exciting, cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options. Concussion Care for Kids: Minds Matter is a specialized program developed to help families, healthcare providers, school staff and coaches recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion and support children's physician-guided recovery. Learn more about supporting research and discovery at CHOP here. #ForBreakthroughs

Fueling Breakthroughs: Leonard Abramson

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 12:25:57 -0400

Every day approximately 700 CHOP employees go to work in the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center, our first research building – one of them is Madeline. She sits down with Leonard to talk about his family’s 30-year relationship with the hospital and how their support has fueled breakthroughs and innovation.

To find out how you can help fuel tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

Brain Tumor Awareness Month with Dr. Storm and Dr. Resnick

Fri, 24 May 2019 12:26:26 -0400

At Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), researchers and doctors are working side by side to improve outcomes for children with brain tumors. In honor of Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Madeline recently sat down with Dr. Phillip “Jay” Storm, Chief of CHOP’s Division of Neurosurgery, and Dr. Adam Resnick, a research scientist at CHOP, to talk about how they are using genetic information to match patients with the best brain tumor treatments – and how philanthropy is fueling these breakthroughs. To help fund groundbreaking research at CHOP, visit give.chop.edu.

Eagles Autism Challenge

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0400

April is World Autism Awareness Month, and here at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Madeline is serving as Honorary Captain for the Eagles Autism Challenge, a bike ride and run/walk that will be held in Philadelphia on May 18. The money raised at the challenge will help our scientists make breakthroughs for children with autism – and in this special episode, Madeline speaks to one of those scientists, Dr. Julia Parish-Morris. For more information on how you can join or donate to the Eagles Autism Challenge, please visit EaglesAutismChallenge.Org.

Pediatric Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions and Lymphatic Research: Dr. Yoav Dori

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 17:52:04 -0500

The lymphatic system is something we all have in our bodies, but very little is known about it. In this episode, Madeline is joined by Dr. Yoav Dori, Director of Pediatric Lymphatic Imaging and Interventions and Lymphatic Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Dori and his team have developed advanced technologies to diagnose and treat life-threatening diseases of the lymphatic system.

To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

Center for Applied Genomics: Dr. Hakon Hakonarson

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 09:29:51 -0500

In this episode, Madeline is joined by Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, the founder and director of the Center for Applied Genomics (CAG) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Dr. Hakonarson leads one of the world’s largest genetics research programs. His team is working to identify the genes that cause complex medical disorders in children and looking for the genetic causes of cancer, autism, diabetes, obesity, schizophrenia, ADHD and autoimmune disorders – to name just a few. These are very different diseases, but CAG’s objective is the same in each case: to use their discoveries to develop new diagnostic tests and new therapies for pediatric diseases. To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

Female Scientists Part 2: Advice To Aspiring Scientists

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0500

In part 2 of a special two-part episode, Madeline is rejoined by four female scientists from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Deborah French, Dr. Allison Curry, Dr. Renata Pellegrino da Silva and Dr. Julia Parish-Morris talk about their own personal journeys and offer advice to aspiring scientists.

To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

Female Scientists Part 1: Behind The Breakthroughs

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:00:00 -0500

Teams at CHOP have been making amazing scientific breakthroughs for more than 160 years. Many of those teams are led by women who have inspired other women to choose careers in healthcare and science. In part 1 of a special two-part episode, Madeline speaks to four female scientists from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Dr. Deborah French, Dr. Allison Curry, Dr. Renata Pellegrino da Silva and Dr. Julia Parish-Morris.

Their discoveries are making a difference for children and families around the world.

To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

Separating Conjoined Twins: Dr. Gregory Heuer and Dr. Jesse Taylor

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 19:20:58 -0500

Abby and Erin Delaney were born in the Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on July 24, 2016. The twins had a very rare condition called craniopagus – which means they were connected at the tops of their heads. In this episode, Madeline talks to Dr. Gregory Heuer and Dr. Jesse Taylor, who led the incredible team of nearly 30 people that successfully separated the twins during an 11-hour surgery. Madeline also gets an update on how Abby and Erin are doing today.

To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

Dr. Lucy Rorke-Adams: A Pioneer in Neuropathology

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 10:57:44 -0400

In this episode, Madeline talks to one of her personal heroes, Dr. Lucy Rorke-Adams, a pioneer in the field of neuropathology. Dr. Rorke-Adams’ career at CHOP spanned 50 years, and she retired just three years ago at age 86. There isn’t much she hasn’t seen – she even examined Albert Einstein’s brain!

To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

Pediatric Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 15:04:36 -0400

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and organizations and advocates from across the country are working together to advance the conversation about behavioral health. Tami Benton, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Chair of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), joins Madeline to discuss initiatives CHOP is leading to prevent suicide and address the growing demand for pediatric behavioral health services.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Gene Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplants for Sickle Cell Disease

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 13:35:32 -0400

In this episode of Breaking Through, Madeline speaks with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) researchers Stefano Rivella, PhD, and William Peranteau, MD, about gene therapy and fetal bone marrow transplants to cure si ckle cell disease. She also talks about how CHOP’s Daisy Days fundraising campaign is fueling their research.

To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

Wawa President & CEO and CHOP Corporate Council Co-Chair Chris Gheysens

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 13:22:06 -0400

In this episode of Breaking Through, Madeline speaks with Chris Gheysens, President & CEO of Wawa and Co-Chair of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Corporate Council. Learn about the long history between CHOP and Wawa, find out how the Wawa Coffee & Care Cart is making a difference for families at CHOP, and much more!

To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

CAR T-Cell Immunotherapy for Cancer

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 13:16:19 -0400

In this episode of Breaking Through, Madeline talks to Stephan Grupp, MD, PhD, Director of the Cancer Immunotherapy Program and Section Chief of the Cellular Therapy and Transplant Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She also speaks with the family of a child who received CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia at CHOP.

To find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs at CHOP, click here.

COMING SOON: BREAKING THROUGH with Madeline Bell

Wed, 16 May 2018 11:55:37 -0400

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia makes breakthroughs every day! In this podcast series, Madeline Bell, CHOP’s President & CEO, will take you behind the scenes to meet the people behind the breakthroughs. You’ll get to know CHOP's world-renowned scientists, amazing doctors and nurses. You’ll meet superstars and business leaders and hear why CHOP is their charity of choice. Find out how you can help make tomorrow’s breakthroughs here.