Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Mourns the Loss of Co-Founder Joe Lake
Visionary Leader’s Dedication Leaves Lasting Mark on Children’s Healthcare
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (April 6, 2025) – Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joe Lake, a visionary founder whose dedication and passion helped create an organization that has transformed children’s healthcare.
In 1983, Joe co-founded Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with Marie Osmond, John Schneider, and Mick Shannon. His vision was bold yet simple: rally people, communities, and corporate partners to support their local children’s hospitals. Since then, CMN Hospitals has raised more than $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Joe,” said Aimee J. Daily, Ph.D., President and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “His lifelong commitment to children’s health has left an indelible mark on our organization and the many families we impact. His pioneering spirit and compassionate heart will forever be remembered.”
A true innovator, Joe played a key role in launching the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon—a groundbreaking broadcast that united hospitals and supporters through powerful storytelling and national visibility. His boundless energy and charisma led to meaningful relationships with celebrities, media, and business leaders, all in the spirit of helping kids.
Joe traveled more than 300 days a year in the early days of the organization, visiting hospitals, forging partnerships, and championing the mission in every corner of the U.S. and Canada. His passion for the cause was contagious, and his belief in the mission was mighty.
“Joe’s legacy is extraordinary,” said Marie Osmond, fellow co–founder of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “He helped create a new way of charitable giving—one that could continually improve children’s health care now and for future generations. I loved Joe dearly, and his passion and heart continue to inspire all of us. Reflecting on his legacy, we reaffirm our commitment to carry on our mission with the same love and decision he gave so generously.”
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has grown into a powerful network that raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada, by uniting communities.
The organization extends its deepest condolences to Joe Lake’s family, friends, and all those whose lives were impacted by his extraordinary kindness and generosity.
Charitable contributions in his honor can be made to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at cmnhospitals.org.
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About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals:
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services. Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.