Patrick Wisdom is widely recognized by his teammates and the Cubs front office staff for his kindness, humility and unwavering support for pediatric cancer research and community-based organizations addressing critical needs across the country.
Eight months before Patrick’s Major League debut in August 2018, his encounter with 6-year-old Braxton Fuqua ignited a lifelong commitment to supporting pediatric cancer research and the children and families affected by the disease.
Braxton was receiving treatment for medulloblastoma, a rare type of brain cancer, at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., when he visited AutoZone Park to spend a day with the Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Patrick eagerly served as Braxton’s host, bringing him to the clubhouse, batting practice and spending quality time together. This experience left a profound impact on Patrick, reinforcing the realization that “life is precious and it’s out of your control.”
Tragically, Braxton passed away in May 2019. In response, Patrick embarked on a mission to honor the young boy by raising awareness and resources for St. Jude’s, the esteemed institution that cared for Braxton during his 18-month struggle. He began by designing a line of T-shirts, hoodies and autographed trading cards, while donating the proceeds to benefit St. Jude’s. Patrick is known for wearing one of these T-shirts in nearly every interview to generate interest and sales.
During the Cubs' appearance at the 2022 MLB at Field of Dreams game, Patrick wore customized cleats featuring the St. Jude’s logo and later auctioned them off, with the proceeds going to the hospital. During 2024 MLB Players' Weekend, Patrick wore cleats decorated by a St. Jude’s patient on the day designated for players to highlight their charitable initiatives.
In Chicago, Patrick has also taken on the role of a regional St. Jude ambassador, working to raise funds to ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude's for treatment, travel, housing or food. This August, Patrick collaborated with Randy Dobnak of the Minnesota Twins to launch a donation challenge aimed at raising funds for St. Jude’s. Before the second game of the Twins-Cubs series, they greeted cancer survivor Brody at Wrigley Field.
Patrick’s charitable efforts extend beyond his commitment to St. Jude’s. While on the road, he seeks out opportunities to volunteer through 2020 Roberto Clemente Award winner Adam Wainwright’s Big League Impact MISSION 3:18 Initiative. Over the past few years, Patrick has volunteered at several MISSION 3:18-affiliated organizations focused on homelessness and hunger, including The Bowery Mission, City Gospel Mission and Kinship Urban Farm. He invites teammates frequently to join him and offers transportation and coffee to encourage their participation.
Additionally, Patrick contributes generously his time to support the charitable efforts of the Cubs organization and Cubs Charities. His involvement includes school visits, youth baseball clinics and fundraising events, and serving as a spokesperson for Advocate Children’s Hospital’s annual surprise, which is an all-expenses-paid trip for patients to travel to Spring Training.