I (Saraha) was renting a room at a friend’s house when Cara, part of my roommate’s social circle, came over with a group. As broke college students, all we had was ramen noodles, so we ended up making it for everyone together. I didn’t get her name. Months later, at a club, I noticed someone in cowboy boots, bought her a beer, and added her on Facebook. We realized we had made ramen noodles together one night, and the rest is history.

My favorite memory together is building our deck. This was the first project since being married and together that we had not bickered, fought, or ran into any major problems during a renovation project or team project. It was a turning point for us to realize that we really can and do value each others work and that we can do hard things together.

With the 20,000 Cara and I would start our family. Being a same sex couple, we have to go through different procedures to become parents. Despite the love and intention we have put into our education, mental health, and careers to be ready to start a family the process for us is very expensive and not covered by insurance. This money would help us continue our family and continue to share the love we have for one another by taking the next step in our family journey.