Debbie Cortez, Chicago
Bilingual south side volunteer uses her skills and connections to help Chicago children with critical illnesses find hope through Make-A-Wish Illinois.
Make-A-Wish Illinois announces Debbie Cortez of Chicago as the recipient of the 2021 Commitment to Community Individual Award for building awareness and support for wishes through the creation of referrals, volunteer recruitment, community organization engagement and wish granting support.
A few years ago, a teen with a family connection was diagnosed with leukemia. Seeing all he and his family endured during his diagnosis and treatment was eye opening for Debbie, and his experience stayed close to her heart even after he passed.
By chance she saw an advertisement about Make-A-Wish needing bilingual volunteers and she was intrigued. She wanted to do something to help children like the boy she knew.
“I wasn’t really sure what it was all about, and I think there are some misperceptions about what it involves,” Debbie said. “But, for someone as busy as me this is by far the most rewarding thing I have done in my life. Now that I’m doing it, it’s something I wish I started 10 years ago.”
Debbie and wish child Jesus in 2019.
Debbie volunteers as a wish granter and as chair of the Chicago Neighborhood Council, a group focused on deepening connections in in south and west side communities of Chicago to support volunteer recruitment and outreach to potential wish families in those areas.
Connecting with wish children is her favorite part of volunteering. She says it brings out the kid in her as they chat and get to know each other. She’s a good listener, and she thinks that is really important as a volunteer.
“We don’t talk about sickness with them. Our conversations have nothing to do with that. We can talk about fun things and enjoy moments where they don’t think about being sick.”
And while she’s ready to take on more wishes, she sure more people in her south Chicago neighborhood would become involved if they knew just how easy and fulfilling it is.
“Make-A-Wish has been the most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve had so far,” Debbie said. “There are families that I meet that have really changed my life.”
The Chicago Neighborhood Council is actively recruiting for new members to help us reach even more communities and community members in Chicago. If you would like more information on the council and how to join, please contact Community Engagement Manager Marimar Gutierrez at mgutierrez@illinois.wish.org.