Our story started in a dorm study room—romantic, right? Our friend groups merged, we became best friends, and went on our first date on Valentine’s Day: pizza and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Five years later, Jackson suffered a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed from the waist down. We spent 8 months at Shepherd Center relearning life. We live in Nashville now—and we’re building a life we never imagined, but wouldn’t trade for anything.

The day we got engaged! Jackson secretly worked with his PTs in rehab to learn how to get down on one knee, then proposed on his sister’s rooftop—just the two of us, but surrounded by the quiet efforts of the people who helped us learn to live again. Then came a surprise party at our favorite brewery with all of our friends and family. That “yes” held every bit of the joy, healing, and hope that we’ve fought for— we are so excited!

This gift would make an immediate and lasting impact—helping us step into marriage with more independence, confidence, and joy. We’d use it toward an accessible vehicle Jackson can drive and home modifications—a ramp, a roll-in shower, and open space that supports his mobility. Since his injury, we’ve learned how love shows up in access, design, and the little things that bring freedom!