Back in the summer of 1982, Pat and Bill Clemency were sitting by the television, holding their two young children, when they first heard about a small organization in Phoenix that had granted just eight wishes in two years for children facing critical illnesses. 

Despite feeling like it was the worst time to volunteer with a newborn and a toddler, they knew they had to get involved. 

“It was a group of kindhearted people, just trying to make a difference,” Pat recalls, feeling that the moment was destined – and it truly was. 

In the following decades, Pat and Bill have granted more than 30 wishes, attended countless airport send-offs, and Pat even served as the CEO of Make-A-Wish Metro New York. 

“A wish not only changes everything in an instant but for a lifetime,” shared Pat. “When you’ve been involved as long as we have, you have the privilege of seeing that transformation firsthand.” 

The most important thing in all their years of service is being present for families during challenging times, offering hope and a sense of normalcy when it’s needed most. 

“The reality is, when your child has an illness, everyone in the family is affected,” said Pat. 

“When Make-A-Wish enters the picture, everyone is involved and engaged, and at the end of the day, everyone benefits enormously,” shared Bill. “Families in difficult situations escape and have an experience they never would have dreamed of in their wildest imaginations.” 

For Pat and Bill, their favorite part of being airport volunteers is seeing the smile and joy on the wish kids’ faces.  

“Experiencing the whole thing, there are no words for it.” 

Drawing from his background as an architect, Pat fondly refers to Bill as the “Explainer-in-Chief.” Bill is often found at the airport explaining to wish kids about airplanes, terminals, and everything in between. 

“One of the great things about being an architect is that you know a little bit about everything,” Bill says with a smile. 

As Make-A-Wish Arizona celebrates its 45th anniversary, Pat and Bill have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. 

“What I love about Make-A-Wish is that the essence has never changed. We deliver a wish, one child at a time,” said Pat. 

As long as children continue to face critical illnesses, Make-A-Wish Arizona needs WishMakers like you to bring them hope and strength to fight. 

Become a WishMaker like Pat and Bill at wishmaker.org/arizona.