Connect How did your love story begin?

Dallas Rocky & Emily Anne Mortensen began with a motorcycle cruise and we spent the next night talking until the sun rose; We’ve inseparable since our first date. Within months we were skydiving in HI, and shortly after Dallas was down on a knee atop a CO 14er. We won a dream wedding package and felt unbreakable. Just after our first anniversary Dallas became ill from West Nile Meningoencephalitis and was in a coma on life support for months — unable to walk, eat or speak.

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

Dallas has endured two kidney transplants and a horrific battle for his life due to West Nile Meningoencephalitis. Life is fleeting and we try to squeeze every day for what it’s worth. Our favorite memory is our wedding day because it’s the day we promised our lives to each other. We’ve endured a lot in 5 years (3 married) but we wake up more in love and committed every day. Physical disabilities and tough times don’t shake us; they bind us together, stronger.

What would you do with $20,000?

First, we would pay off remaining medical debt. Then we’d get busy booking a Hawaiian escape (because we know firsthand how quickly the tides can turn!) and then we’d start expanding our family and figuring out a way to pay it forward. An abundance of kindness and humility helped us get to where we are today, and we want to sprinkle that kindness around as much as possible!