Like all good stories, this one was unexpected. What started as a simple act of kindness evolved into a future of possibilities. Chelsey and Eric began their journey together by answering the question “which type of nephrotic syndrome is associated with sickle cell disease?”

Chelsey and Eric met during their second year of medical school. Eric had forgotten his backpack in the front of the classroom just before the start of a board review session. This forced him to sit in the back of the lecture hall as to not disturb the class. Chelsey diligently attended every review session, and this one was no different. She noticed Eric's presence for the first time all year, and sat down next to him. Eric decided to make the most of being stranded in the back row, and attempted to actively participate in the session. However it soon became apparent that his many years of higher education and excessive blue light exposure made it impossible for him to read the tiny words on the screen. Chelsey quickly realized one of two things was happening: 1. he could not read, or 2. he could not see the words. Being the kind soul she is, she read every question aloud to him as they worked through the answers together. Eric was so impressed with her kindness and intelligence that he asked for her phone number. (Eric also now has glasses.)

Quickly they bonded over mutual love for quesadillas, dinosaurs, and coffee. After their first date at a local BBQ shack followed by frozen yogurt, they became inseparable. They spent every day together studying as the world grappled with a global pandemic. Though the world seemed to be crumbling, they were building a strong foundation for a bright future together. Four board exams, two years’ worth of clinical rotations, and one successful residency Match season later, their relationship has continued to flourish. Knowing this was a forever kind of love, Eric proposed on September 18, 2021 at Baker Park in Frederick, Maryland surrounded by their families. And the rest, as they say, is history.

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