Fifteen-year-old Elvie has a neuromuscular disorder, but that hasn’t stopped her from being a dedicated member of her school's Running Club. She also has a deep love for birds, so when given the chance to have a wish granted, she knew exactly what she wanted.

"I love birds and want to see them all! Costa Rica has the most beautiful ones in the whole wide world," Elvie said. But her wish didn’t stop there. She also wanted to soar through the air like a bird. "I want to go on a zip line and feel what it's like to breathe the fresh air way up there—just like them."

Elvie and her family traveled to Costa Rica, staying in a cozy bungalow nestled in the forest. Their adventure began with a sky tram and sky trek tour, taking them to the Continental Divide and one of the highest mountains in Monteverde. A guided tour through the cloud forest introduced them to the region’s incredible biodiversity, followed by an exhilarating zip-lining experience. From mountain to mountain, they glided along a system of zip lines and climbed observation towers that rose above the treetops, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

While seeing Costa Rica’s stunning birdlife and soaring through the sky was unforgettable, the most meaningful part of Elvie’s wish was having her dad by her side. After being deployed for nine months, he was finally home, making their trip even more special. "To me, the most important parts of my wish were having my dad home and being able to experience this together as a family," Elvie said.

In addition to her adventure, Elvie had the unique opportunity to volunteer with Ecoterra Costa Rica. She participated in an educational tour led by a naturalist guide, learning about conservation efforts and the impact of wildlife on the environment. As part of her experience, she helped prepare animals’ diets and created enrichment toys for them.

The trip was everything Elvie had hoped for and more.
“This is the best day of my life!” she exclaimed.