After a distinguished career of service and leadership, David Vranicar, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice Chancellor at KU Medical Center, has announced his retirement. As he begins this well-deserved new chapter, we'd like to take the opportunity to thank him for the the lasting impact he has made on Children’s Miracle Network.
Thank you, David, for your dedication and support We wish you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.
Caring for pediatric patients comes with countless rewards. For Dr. Stephen Lauer, one of the greatest joys of being a pediatrician is witnessing the incredible journey of growth and development—watching babies learn to walk and talk, then grow into toddlers, adolescents, and teenagers. “It’s easy to forget how miraculous it is because it happens all the time,” he says. Yet, every milestone reminds him of the wonder of childhood.
Dr. Lauer is continually inspired by the families he meets every day. “They do the most amazing thing—raising a child—often under very trying circumstances,” he explains. Every family, at some point, needs a little help. That’s why he is passionate about investing in what he calls our most precious resource: kids.
One way this investment happens is through the powerful partnership between KU Pediatrics and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). For Dr. Lauer, knowing that CMN funds are available changes everything. These funds make new equipment, innovative programs, and improved facilities possible—helping pediatric teams deliver better, more comprehensive care every day.
Dr. Lauer has seen this impact firsthand. CMN has supported the renovation of the pediatric clinic in Prairie Village, funded programs like the Comfort Caddies, and provided direct family assistance. “You’ll never make a better investment—whether it’s $10 or $1 million (please, the latter),” he says with a smile. “The return on investment with kids is huge. And when a child or their family hugs you and says thanks, there’s no price tag.”
Beyond his work, Dr. Lauer is an avid Kansas Jayhawks fan, a self-described “reasonably good” cook, and loves spending time with his wife, Kimberly, and his family.
Behind every tattoo is a story about what Extra Life means to that gamer, whether it’s the kids they’re fundraising for, the friends they’ve made along the way, or the community they’ve found through gaming.
Our efforts are made possible through local partnerships and campaigns.
Children’s Miracle Network at KU Medical Center
P.O. Box 3245
Kansas City, KS 66103
Phone: 913-588-9100
Fax: 913-588-9101