It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend, Patricia “Patti” Nielsen-Hadden.

Patti was one of the very first volunteers of Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley and remained a dedicated part of our mission for nearly 30 years. Throughout her remarkable service, she touched our organization in countless ways—as a volunteer, board member, Board Chair, Advisory Member, and committee member.

Most of all, Patti will be remembered for the compassion and joy she brought to every wish she helped grant. As a wish granter, she went above and beyond to ensure each wish child and family felt truly special, loved, and celebrated. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment helped create life-changing memories for so many children facing critical illnesses.

In recognition of her extraordinary service and lasting impact, Patti was honored at our Evening of Wishes Gala and was a recipient of the prestigious Veronica Bishop Award of Excellence—one of our chapter’s highest honors. These recognitions reflected what so many already knew: Patti embodied the heart and spirit of Make-A-Wish.

Patti’s impact on our chapter and the families we serve is immeasurable. Her legacy lives on in every wish she helped bring to life and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We extend our deepest condolences to Patti’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a true WishMaker. 

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider making a donation in Patricia’s memory to Make-A-Wish serving the Rio Grande Valley, helping continue a cause that was especially meaningful to her.
Make-A-Wish Foundation

Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley was founded in 1997 to focus on granting wishes to children in Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr, Cameron, Brooks, and Kenedy Counties. Over the past 25 years Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley has granted over 1,800 wishes. 

The Make-A-Wish mission states: Together, we create life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our vision is to grant the wish of ever eligible child. While wishes are referred and completed on an ongoing basis, we average approximately 80 wishes per year.

A volunteer Board of Directors and staff of 5, together with volunteers, donors and medical professionals from throughout the region, make wish granting possible. Among the Rio Grande Valley chapter's recently completed wishes include: to have online shopping sprees, meeting celebrities, traveling to Hawaii, trips South Padre Island, and Trips to Walt  Disney World, to name a few.

Make-A-Wish^® America provides the Rio Grande Valley chapter with technical assistance, training, national coordination and support; however, all funds required to grant wishes are raised entirely within the Rio Grande Valley.

At Make-A-Wish, we are more than a great place to work — our work is life-changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thought and experiences, are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values — values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the life-changing work we do, every day. 

We are always on the lookout for great talent who share in our passion.

Currently, the Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley Chapter is not actively looking for a position to be filled for our staff. However, we encourage potential team members to send their resume to rgv@rgv.wish.org and to consider joining our Wishmaker Advisory Committee. 

Make-A-Wish Rio Grande Valley finances endeavors through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. However, we do not solicit funds by telephone and receive no federal or state funding. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our financial statements are audited locally by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. 

At Make-A-Wish, we take our responsibility for the monies donated to our cause very seriously and are pleased to confirm that according to the fiscal year 2019 audit results, Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Rio Grande Valley spent 92% of every dollar on wish granting and related program expenses. Only 7% of every dollar was spent on management and general costs and 1% was allocated to fundraising. For full financial details please review our most recent FY19 Audited Financial Statements, FY19 Impact Report or our latest 990, available at our office upon request.  

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