Marie Osmond, John Schneider, Mick Shannon, and Joseph G. Lake founded what is known as Children’s Miracle Network® in 1983. What began as a national telethon that raised nearly $4.8 million for 22 children’s hospitals in its first year has quickly grown into a powerful movement supporting children’s hospitals and the families they serve.
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Founders
(L to R) Joseph G. Lake, Marie Osmond, Mick Shannon, John Schneider
Today, Children’s Miracle Network raises urgently needed funds for 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada. These hospitals treat 12 million children yearly through their 38 million patient visits.
For more than 40 years, Children’s Miracle Network has united people, partners, and fundraising programs to raise critical funds for its network of 170 children’s hospitals. Every dollar raised supports the local children’s hospital in the community where it was raised, giving hospitals the flexibility to direct funds where they are needed most.
Donations help fund lifesaving treatments, advanced pediatric equipment, innovative research, charitable care, child life services and programs that support children and their families throughout their healthcare journeys.
Since its beginning in 1983, Children’s Miracle Network has continued its mission to bless children’s lives and their families. It has raised more than $9 billion to date, much of it one dollar at a time through campaigns featuring its iconic balloon. Together, its donors, corporate partners, fundraising programs, and communities are helping make big change for all kids.