SPOKANE, Wash. – Amidst life's challenges, a local couple found a silver lining.

Jill and Erik Krema had sold most of their furniture in preparation for retirement and a cross-country trip. However, their plans took a turn when Jill's father passed away and she was diagnosed with cancer.

Despite these hardships, Jill experienced an unexpected blessing. She won a $1,500 shopping spree at a Spokane furniture store, just as they needed to start over.

NonStop Local Photojournalist Thomas Walters joined Jill and Erik as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives.

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