Our love story began on the shores of Lake Dillon, where Jeff stored his boat and Marie worked as the sailing coordinator. After two years of packing in conversations about running, triathlons, snowboarding, and sailing into the time it took to launch his boat, our lives finally came to a point where we could test out the waters together. We knew immediately that there was something special about the other, that we each filled a void and would begin to grow towards a bright future together.

Our favorite memory isn't a single moment—it's the collection of moments that personify our love. Jeff’s collection includes watching Marie’s blonde hair cascade over the bed sheets, training alongside his best friend, and the laughter she brings to everyday life with her silly faces, voices, and dance moves. Marie remembers Jeff walking up to her at the marina, the butterflies from their first kiss, the excitement of seeing his name light up her phone, and the joy of making him laugh.

As dedicated endurance athletes, $20,000 would help us continue pursuing our Olympic and Paralympic dreams. It would help cover race fees, travel, equipment nutrition, and a new running prosthesis for Jeff—costs that often fall entirely on us as unsponsored athletes. The award would help cover both upcoming competitions and expenses we've already taken on. This award would also go toward a down payment on our first home, where we can train together and continue building our future side by side.