Our History
41 years of dedication to children’s health
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® is on a mission to change kids’ health to change the future. We’re a network of 170 member children’s hospitals that provide 38 million patient visits, catering to 12 million children annually across the U.S. and Canada. Donations benefit the local hospital to fund critical treatments, healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment, and charitable care.
Since our inception in 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised over $9 billion dollars, mostly one dollar at a time. These funds contributed through various fundraising partners and programs, passionately support our vision to change kids’ health, change the future.
Join us in transforming children’s health and help us unlock a world of possibilities.
Our Founders
In 1977, Mick Shannon, alongside KSL TV producers Al Henderson and Mike Mischler, envisioned a groundbreaking national telethon. With support from broadcasters Arch Madsen and Jay Lloyd, they aimed to scale up the telethon nationally. Teaming up with Joe Lake, Mick enlisted celebrities John Schneider and Marie Osmond. When their original proposal was declined, Mick and Joe conceived Children’s Miracle Network. With support from John and Marie, the network was launched, featuring a 21-hour telethon with Merlin Olsen and Marilyn McCoo.
Now, more than 40 years since its inception, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $9 billion to change kids’ health to change the future.
The founding principles that Mick, Joe, John, and Marie have tirelessly supported since 1983 still hold true today and will leave an enduring legacy.
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES
100% OF PROCEEDS WOULD STAY LOCAL TO BENEFIT LOCAL HOSPITALS AND KIDS
KIDS FIRST AND ALWAYS
MAINTAIN THE LOWEST COST RATIO POSSIBLE
DIGNITY AND CLASS …NEVER EXPLOITING SICK OR INJURED KIDS
These truly amazing people and donations made the MIRACLE HAPPEN. Without them, there would be no Children’s Miracle Network today.
Mick Shannon
Joseph G. Lake
John Schneider
Marie Osmond