Connect How did your love story begin?

I (Kristin) was on my way to work over in Italy and had ended my lease and given notice at my job. 2 weeks before leaving, mutual friends invited me for dinner - and asked Mark to attend. We hit it off immediately and had a wonderful night together, laughing, dancing, and hanging out until dawn. I knew that morning that I met the man I would marry, and had a deep gut feeling that I needed to see where our relationship would go. It was then the adventure of our 23 year relationship began.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

We sat together on our back deck, looking out at the trees while listening to the birds. It was a quiet moment as it was a marker of my healing after 3 surgeries related to my MS, adrenal tumor and subsequent infections. It was the place we focused on throughout the recovery process, knowing that the peace, calm, + joy of being together was the most important thing we shared - with each other and our 2 beautiful daughters. Every time we sit there, we are reminded of our support for one another.

What would you do with $20,000?

We would use part of the $20,000 to travel together to Europe. We have been through so much with surgery and my diagnosis with MS. Mark has been a rock and deserves a good vacation. We have dreamed of the kind of travel where we can eat well, take cooking classes, and visit places that are part of our family history. We would use the other half to help invest in our home for energy efficient upgrades like a generator and mini split system. We are committed to sustainable and healthy living.