09
June
2015
|
02:50 AM
America/Chicago

Mizzou alumna Jennifer Linebarger celebrated as admirable ambassador

At age 10, Jennifer Linebarger went into renal failure due to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that causes red blood cells to clog the filtering system in the kidneys. She recovered, but the time she spent witnessing medical experts at their best inspired her to become a doctor.

Linebarger's job - treating terminally ill children and helping families through the profound loss - can be emotionally trying. But like everything else in life, she approaches it with grace and heart.

"The role I have for families is an honor and a privilege," Linebarger says. "I get to meet remarkable people who are going through remarkable times in their lives. I try to practice what I preach and not get too worked up about things that are truly out of my control or take any day for granted."