We met while backpacking in Thailand in 2011. We spent time together but went our separate ways without exchanging contact information. Against all odds, we ran into each other again later in another part of the country. That second chance changed everything. We started a long-distance relationship, crossed oceans to be together, and eventually built a life in Canada. Fourteen years later, we’re married with two amazing boys, a husky, and we’re still each other’s greatest adventure.

Our favourite memory was finding out we were pregnant, and then having both of our children born at home. Those moments changed everything for us. After such an unexpected love story, becoming parents together felt like the greatest chapter of all. Our boys are the heart of our family and the best thing we’ve ever created together.

We’d use the $20,000 to create lifelong memories with our boys by taking them on the family trip we’ve always dreamed of either to Europe or Japan. But it would also be life-changing in another way. Ben has been struggling with degenerative disc disease and would put part of the money toward treatment or disc replacement surgery if he’s a candidate. Being able to live with less pain and be more active with our children would be the greatest gift of all.