Make-A-Wish Wisconsin walk raises funds, 'brings us together'

MILWAUKEE - The annual Make-A-Wish "Walk For Wishes" returned to Milwaukee's Henry Maier Festival Park Saturday morning, Sept. 9.

The walk raises money, of course, but it is also a place for families to share their stories. 

"It brings us together more," said Wish mom Monica MacLeod.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

MacLeod said Make-A-Wish Wisconsin brought their family together after granting her daughter Cassandra's wish.

"She’s able to then be able to get a wish to be able to have an accessible backyard and just be a kid – do what her challenges won’t allow her sometimes," MacLeod said.

MacLeod family backyard

Cassandra has cerebral palsy. In July, Make-A-Wish transformed their backyard.

"She’s kind of free to an extent be able to go back there and do s’mores, which she really enjoys," said McLeod. "Despite her challenges, it’s amazing what you can do now."

The Walk For Wishes is an important fundraising event. Currently, there are more than 450 children waiting for their wishes to be granted. 

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.

"So many people care about kids and making a difference in their lives," said Patti Gorsky, the organization's president and CEO.

FOX6's Stephanie Grady emceed the event and spread awareness to their mission.

"Make-A-Wish Wisconsin has done such an amazing job over the years, really not just helping the kids making their wishes come true, but really changing the course for their families and giving the kids hope when they don’t feel any," she said.

In February, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin will grant its 8,000th wish.

Walk For Wishes on FOX6 WakeUp

All Walk For Wishes attendees will receive a wristband giving them free admission into Festa Italiana at the Italian Community Center only on Saturday.