A life touched by gratitude and a life spent giving back

Dorothy Heale—a life characterized by giving back

When Dorothy Heale was a child, she was taught that sharing and giving are the same, and she watched as her family gave as much as they could—and then gave more. It was a lesson she never forgot.

When Dorothy’s children were small, Children’s Wisconsin became a second home. Her daughter spent 11 months at the hospital being treated for polio. Just before his first birthday, her son spent five months in our care. Again, Dorothy never forgot. “When you have a long connection with Children’s Wisconsin, you never forget what they did for you and your family,” says Dorothy. “You can never repay them, and your child is a constant reminder of how thankful you are.”

Gratitude has translated into a life of volunteering and giving. Dorothy has been a force in the Waukesha community for decades, involved in everything from health care to the performing arts to her church. For many years, she opened her beautifully decorated home to nonprofit organizations for holiday fundraisers.

In all that time, Dorothy never forgot Children’s Wisconsin. A Guardian Society member since the year 2000, Dorothy chose to include Children’s in her estate planning. Her future gift will benefit Children’s Community Services programs—critical services that help our most vulnerable kids.

Dorothy’s deep commitment to children through the years is an inspiration to us all.