For over 20 years, Pat Revzin remained a devoted Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada supporter. As one of the first volunteers since the inception of the Southern Nevada chapter, Pat filled every role in the wish-granting process, from wish discovery volunteer and wish story writer to celebrity wish host and even becoming a volunteer trainer.

As a bronze recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Nevada Governor’s Points of Light Awards, Pat was a witness to the incredible evolution of Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. Her commitment to spreading awareness of the organization’s mission never faltered as she was an advocate for those seeking to be involved in Make-A-Wish in some capacity.

Pat’s journey to becoming a volunteer began with her daughter, a local oncology nurse who also happened to be a medical referral source for Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada in the past. A retired teacher at the time, Pat was in search for ways to give back to her community and immediately connected to the idea of helping children with critical illnesses as well as their families.

“Asking which wish has been my favorite is like asking who my favorite child is,” shared Pat. “Each wish is so uniquely tailored to the wish kiddo; you just can’t pick one over another.”

Looking back at the hundred or so wishes she was a part of, Pat shared the most memorable wishes were those that involved members of the community.

“One that particularly stands out to me was a wish to have a sports sanctuary that would accommodate different play areas right in the family’s backyard,” said Pat. “I remember the wish kiddo had a rare form of muscular dystrophy and could no longer participate in organized sports due to his condition.”

Pat recalled multiple sponsors, donors, and volunteers came together to make this wish happen. Student-athletes from Coronado High School also showed up on the day of the wish reveal to play a round of each game with the kiddo.

“It was so impactful to see this wish come to life entirely because of the community,” said Pat. “Knowing that a family has had a rough time because of their child’s illness, we can still do our best to give hope, strength, and joy with just one wish.” 

The more wishes Pat was involved in helped her realize that it was the interconnectedness of the community, volunteers, and Make-A-Wish staff that inspired her.

“Each piece is so integral and so necessary. It’s truly rewarding just to be one small piece of the puzzle,” said Pat. “The farther along I got, I was more aware of how much we as individuals can do when we work together as a team.”

Pat advised new volunteers and those interested in becoming a volunteer to keep in mind that “not everybody can do everything, but we all can do something; everyone has some superpower.”

When asked what her wish would be, Pat said she had never thought about having a wish for herself.  “You know what would make my heart sing? A donation to Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada. There is nothing I need at this point in my life other than helping grant wishes.”