MEET MORE OF OUR 2024 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
Over 25 years, Patti Gorsky and her team have brought joy to thousands of children with critical illnesses – and have transformed Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. When she started as president and CEO in 1999, the Wisconsin chapter granted approximately 100 wishes a year on a $1 million budget – now it makes 450 wishes come true with nearly $10 million each year.
Wisconsin is now one of the strongest Make-A-Wish chapters thanks to her leadership as well as that of her dedicated board of directors and staff. In early 2025, Gorsky is planning to retire, leaving a powerful legacy behind her.
“Our work is about community coming together to make magic for kids.”
With a team of 400 trained volunteers statewide, Make-A-Wish gives each of its critically ill children a joyful, personal experience, whether that’s meeting a favorite athlete, spending a day as a firefighter or a princess, going on cruises or traveling to an exciting location of the child’s choice.
In February, Gorsky and the Make-A-Wish Wisconsin team celebrated their 8,000th wish with “wish kid” Lulu Altman, who wished to sing with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra at the Bradley Symphony Center. Months after that wish came true, Gorsky recently had the chance to watch Altman sing the national anthem at a Brewers game.
“The impact extends far beyond the child,” Gorsky says. “The community comes together to care for this child during his or her medical journey. Wishes provide something positive to focus on, a different type of ‘medicine,’ often becoming a powerful and profound experience for both the child and their family.”
Q&A
Can you tell me a little about the logistics of wish granting, from application to making it come true?
We work with medical professionals who use global criteria to determine a child’s eligibility. Once eligible, our team of wish coordinators collaborates with 450 trained volunteers across the state to figure out the wishes and then make them happen.
What kind of impact do these wishes have on the children and their families?
The impact extends beyond the child; it’s about a community coming together to care for this child’s medical journey. The wishes provide something positive to focus on, often becoming a powerful and profound experience for both the child and their family.
