UK HealthCare

Children’s Miracle Network, Companies, Partner to Benefit Kentucky Children’s Hospital

Video from Children's Miracle Network Kentucky.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 21, 2022) — Several national companies have partnered with Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) on a series of summer campaigns to raise funds for Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH).

Founded in 1983, CMN is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support children’s hospitals across the nation, including KCH. When donating to CMN through fundraising campaigns, the money raised goes directly to hospitals in the network; local dollars go directly to help local children. To date, CMN has raised a total of $22.8 million for KCH to support specialized care for children all over Kentucky.

One such child is Wells Downing. After severe, unexplainable seizures, Wells’ family rushed him to KCH’s Makenna David Pediatric Emergency Center, the region's only Level I pediatric trauma center. After quick intervention and under the specialized care of pediatric neurologist Donita Lightner, M.D., Wells has gone three years without a seizure.

“It’s been a tremendous blessing that we got our Wells back,” said Wells’ father Scott. “We’re very grateful to all the Children’s Miracle Network partners and all the fundraising and support they provide to allow for success stories like Wells to happen on a regular basis.”

Funds raised by CMN partners have supported numerous projects at KCH, such as a dedicated pediatric dialysis unit, increased staffing in the UK Developmental Pediatric Clinic, and video-gaming equipment for the pediatric emergency center.

Throughout the summer, several companies with stores all over the Commonwealth will participate in fundraising campaigns:

  • Now through July 9, donate at the register at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.
  • Through July 10, donate at registers or online grocery orders at Walmart and Sam’s Club.
  • On July 28, participating Dairy Queens will host Miracle Treat Day, during which one dollar from every Blizzard sold will go to KCH.
  • During the month of August, donate at registers at JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores.
  • From Aug. 5-7: purchase at bucket at Ace Hardware for a $5 donation and get 20% off your purchase.

CMN also partners with Speedway, Panda Express and GameStop for year-round campaigns.

For more information about the Children’s Miracle Network, or to have your family be considered to be the next CMN Champion, contact Sara-Elizabeth Bush at saraelizabeth.bush@uky.edu

Image of child in red t-shirt with red novelty foam finger
Wells Downing was treated at KCH for frequent and severe seizures. He received specialized care that was funded in part by support from the Children's Miracle Network and national retail companies.

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