Our love story began when two people carrying heavy burdens found each other. I was battling the aftermath of abuse, addiction, and homelessness. Heath was carrying the invisible wounds of military service. We met at a time when neither of us had life figured out, but we chose each other anyway. Together, we healed, rebuilt, and created a family and future stronger than either of us could have imagined.

Our favorite memory was standing on the back of a cruise ship, watching the ocean stretch out behind us. As we kissed, we looked at each other and realized, “We made it.” Years earlier, our future was uncertain. We had faced addiction, trauma, loss, and countless obstacles. In that moment, surrounded by nothing but open water, we weren’t thinking about where we’d been. We were grateful for how far we’d come together.

We would invest in the future we’ve worked so hard to build. Part would help support our family and create more opportunities for our children. The rest would help me pursue my dream of becoming a published author by giving me the time and resources to finish and promote the memoir I’ve been writing about resilience, recovery, and second chances. Winning would help us turn our story into something that inspires others.