NEW ORLEANS - Ochsner Children’s is proud to announce that chief executive officer, Dana Bledsoe, has joined the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. This appointment marks a significant step in the ongoing partnership between the two organizations, reinforcing a shared commitment to bringing hope, joy and strength to children battling critical illnesses across the region.
Since formally launching a partnership in April 2025, Ochsner and Make-A-Wish have worked together to create life-changing experiences for local families. In less than a year, this collaboration has successfully granted 12 wishes and provided support to hundreds of patients and their families. Bledsoe’s appointment to the board will further strengthen these collaborative efforts to reach more children in need.
“I am incredibly honored to join the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Board,” said Dana Bledsoe, CEO, Ochsner Children’s. “This partnership represents everything we believe at Ochsner Children’s — serving our community and nurturing the dreams of our children. By aligning our medical expertise with the hope that Make-A-Wish provides, we can create a brighter, healthier future for the families who need us most.”
Bledsoe joined Ochsner Children’s in 2024 with over 30 years of experience in pediatric nursing and healthcare leadership, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a proven commitment to family-centered care. Her career includes pivotal roles at renowned institutions nationwide, where she has consistently advocated for advancing family support systems and improving outcomes for children. Her expertise will help guide the strategic vision of the Make-A-Wish chapter as it expands its impact.
“We are proud to welcome Dana Bledsoe to our Board of Directors, strengthening our organization’s leadership as it continues to expand its reach throughout Louisiana,” said Shelly Millwee, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. “With decades of experience dedicated to pediatric healthcare, Dana brings a deep understanding of the needs of children and families facing critical illness. We are honored to welcome her to the Make-A-Wish board and thank her for choosing to serve our mission.”
Learn more about Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana by visiting www.wish.org/texgulf .
Media contact: pr@ochsner.org
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About Ochsner Children’s
Ochsner Children’s is part of Ochsner Health , the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in Louisiana, Mississippi and across the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. Ochsner Children’s has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for five consecutive years. For the ninth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Ochsner Children's Hospital among the Top 50 Children’s Hospitals in the country. In 2025, Ochsner Children's Hospital ranked in cardiology and heart surgery and gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s Hospital is honored to be recognized by Newsweek as America’s Best Children’s Hospitals ranking in pulmonology and neonatology.
About Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana
Make-A-Wish ® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana is one of 58 chapters throughout the United States and its territories. Established in 1984, our local chapter, which maintains two offices including one in Metairie, Louisiana, has fulfilled more than 11,900 wishes for children across the region. In fiscal year 2025, we achieved a significant milestone by granting 130 wishes in Louisiana – setting a new organizational record and underscoring our enduring commitment to delivering transformative experiences for Louisiana wish children facing critical illnesses.
Together with generous local donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, we bring hope and joy to children and their families during some of their most challenging times. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of a wish to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health.
Make-A-Wish is the No.1 Most Trusted Nonprofit Operating Locally Across 50 states, per Morning Consult, serving children in every community in the United States and in 50 countries worldwide. Since 1980, more than 575,000 wishes have been granted to children around the world.
Change a local child’s life today at wish.org/texgulf