CMN's $1 Billion Pledge: A Lifeline for Ailing Children's Hospitals

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 13, 2026 – Children's Miracle Network (CMN) has launched its most ambitious fundraising initiative to date, pledging to raise $1 billion over the next two years to support pediatric healthcare across North America. The announcement of "The Health For All Kids Impact Pledge" comes as children's hospitals grapple with a deepening financial crisis, threatening their ability to provide critical care.

The launch was marked by a dazzling "Balloon Signal of Support," where 300 drones illuminated the Manhattan skyline with the charity's updated balloon logo, an event presented by long-time corporate partner Marriott Bonvoy. Joining the cause is actor Adam Devine, whose personal journey from a critically injured child to a Hollywood star was made possible by the very network he now champions.

This bold pledge aims to significantly accelerate the organization's fundraising, which has already amassed nearly $10 billion for 170 member hospitals since its founding in 1983. The move signals a strategic shift, emphasizing philanthropy's essential role in safeguarding the future of children's health.

The Anatomy of a Crisis: Why $1 Billion is Needed Now

The urgent call for an unprecedented $1 billion stems from a confluence of severe economic pressures squeezing children's hospitals. These specialized institutions are facing what experts describe as a perfect storm of unstable funding, skyrocketing costs, and increasingly complex patient needs.

"In today's healthcare landscape, children's hospitals have to do more with less at a time when kids' healthcare needs are becoming more complex and more urgent," said Aimee J. Daily, Ph.D., President & CEO of Children's Miracle Network. "The Impact Pledge demonstrates our expanded commitment to participate in the solution and invites communities to join our movement to ensure kids have the best possible chance for happy, healthy futures."

At the heart of the problem is a heavy reliance on Medicaid, which accounts for over half of the revenue for many children's hospitals. However, reimbursement rates often fall drastically short of the actual cost of care, with some analyses showing payments covering as little as 80 cents on the dollar. Compounding this, a nationwide shortage of pediatric specialists has ignited fierce competition for talent, driving up labor costs. Hospitals report paying over 25% more in wages and agency fees to maintain adequate staffing levels, all while battling high turnover rates fueled by burnout.

Simultaneously, the nature of pediatric care is evolving. Hospitals are seeing a surge in children with complex medical conditions requiring long-term, multidisciplinary care, alongside an unprecedented demand for integrated mental and behavioral health services. These factors drive up costs and strain already limited resources, leaving philanthropy to bridge a critical and widening gap.

A Legacy of Giving, An Ambitious Future

While the $1 billion, two-year goal is a significant escalation—requiring an average of $500 million annually, a notable increase from its 2024 total of $464 million—CMN is leveraging a four-decade legacy of trust and impact. The organization holds a top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its financial health and commitment to accountability.

A cornerstone of CMN's model is its promise that 100% of donations remain in the community where they were raised, providing unrestricted funds to the local member hospital. This flexibility is paramount. It allows hospital administrators to direct money where it is needed most, whether for acquiring state-of-the-art equipment tailored for children, funding groundbreaking research, covering charitable care for families in need, or supporting vital programs like art therapy and counseling that are rarely covered by insurance.

These unrestricted funds act as a strategic tool, enabling hospitals to innovate and respond nimbly to emerging health challenges rather than simply patching budgetary holes. This model has been the engine behind nearly $10 billion in community-based funding, a figure the new Impact Pledge seeks to rapidly expand upon.

From Hollywood to Hospitals: Adam Devine's Personal Mission

Adding a powerful and deeply personal voice to the campaign is actor Adam Devine. Known for his comedic roles in Pitch Perfect and Righteous Gemstones, Devine's connection to CMN is no act. At age 11, he was struck by a cement truck, sustaining massive injuries that required more than 25 surgeries and two years of intensive treatment at a CMN-supported hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

"I know what it's like to spend years of your childhood in a hospital and my partnership with Children's Miracle Network is deeply personal," said Devine. His recovery, which included regaining the ability to walk, was supported by services funded by the network. His involvement transcends typical celebrity endorsement, offering an authentic testament to the life-changing impact of donations.

"Since I had such a positive recovery experience in the hospital, I personally understand that we need to do more, so hospitals can do more, because kids deserve more," he added. Devine frequently visits children in hospitals across the U.S. and Canada, sharing his story of survival and hope, and demonstrating a profound commitment to the cause.

A Signal in the Sky, A Call to Action on the Ground

The drone show that lit up the New York sky did more than just unveil a new logo; it broadcasted a message of hope and urgency. The iconic hot-air balloon, a symbol of the charity for over 40 years, represents the organization's mission to "elevate what's possible in children's healthcare," according to Daily.

This high-profile launch was supported by Marriott Bonvoy, representing Marriott International, CMN's longest-standing corporate partner. Since 1983, Marriott has raised over $140 million for member hospitals through a variety of initiatives, from guest donation programs to employee-led fundraising, underscoring the deep corporate and community roots that sustain the network.

As children's hospitals navigate their most challenging period in recent history, Children's Miracle Network is calling on the public to answer the "Balloon Signal of Support." The organization urges everyone to join the movement by visiting its website to take the pledge and contribute to ensuring health for all kids, transforming local communities one dollar at a time.