Alexandra always dreamed of a safari, but it wasn’t just any trip – it was her heartfelt wish. Thanks to Make-A-Wish and National Geographic Expeditions, that dream became an incredible reality.
Alexandra’s Journey
From a young age, Alexandra found herself captivated by wildlife and the raw beauty of the natural world. She even met conservation icon Jane Goodall as a child, an encounter that fueled her passion. This wasn’t just a fleeting interest; Alexandra actively pursued it, even taking an internship in Alaska before her senior year of high school. There, she planted native trees, cleared invasive plants, and helped create environmental education programs for children.
Life took an unexpected turn when Alexandra received a cancer diagnosis. During her hospital treatment, her care team presented her with an incredible opportunity: a wish from Make-A-Wish. What was her deepest desire? To witness wildlife up close and see conservation in action. The answer came to her instantly.
Imagine her excitement when she discovered her wish would be a National Geographic Journey with G Adventures trip to Africa! For someone who devoured National Geographic magazines and looked up to its Explorers, this felt like destiny. “When I was little, I used to look at the Nat Geo Explorers and think, ‘Oh my gosh, I want to do that’,” Alexandra shared. “Reading those magazines, I’d always gaze at the pictures and realize how beautiful our world is and why protecting its natural resources and wildlife matters so much. National Geographic truly taught me to appreciate our planet deeply.”
An Unforgettable Adventure
During her safari, Alexandra saw her classroom lessons come alive. She learned from local guides and passionate conservationists, watching wildlife thrive in its natural home. She witnessed conservation efforts making a real difference on a grand scale.
Among all the incredible moments, one memory shines brightest for Alexandra. “We waited by this watering hole, and suddenly, all the elephants walked right towards us! For about 30 minutes, they played in the water, splashing each other and rolling in the mud,” she recounted. “They were so close. It was unbelievable.” What a journey, she added, “It’s been kind of crazy going from laying in a hospital bed to being in Africa.”
Beyond the breathtaking wildlife and scenery, Alexandra cherished the connections she made. “Every single person we met was just the kindest,” she shared. “Everyone was so friendly, eager to learn about our lives, and happy to share theirs.” She and her mom forged lasting friendships, even with their field guide, Uncle Philly, whom they hope to visit again in Africa.
The Lasting Impact of a Wish
Alexandra’s wish turned out to be far more than just an amazing trip. It opened her eyes to new dimensions of her conservation passion, helping her envision her future. “This experience confirmed that I’m meant to do wildlife and environmental conservation,” Alexandra stated. “I truly believe that’s my life’s purpose, without a doubt.”
This kind of passion in the next generation is exactly what Disney and National Geographic strive to encourage. A portion of every National Geographic Expedition trip goes to the National Geographic Society, funding vital research and conservation projects. You see a similar spirit in the Disney Conservation Fund, which motivates young people to connect with nature, protect wildlife, and become future conservation leaders. Since 1995, the fund has supported 600 nonprofit organizations, safeguarding over 1,000 wildlife species across half the world’s countries and all five oceans.
Alexandra embodies these values perfectly. As she heads into her senior year of high school, she dreams of studying environmental science and biology in college, aiming to become a wildlife biologist. Her goal? To conduct field research that shapes policies to protect nature and wildlife, eventually pursuing her Ph.D. What an inspiration!
For over 45 years, Disney and Make-A-Wish have partnered to bring joy and hope to children and families, making over 175,000 wishes come true worldwide. It’s a powerful partnership that truly changes lives.
