When Michael Thiry was diagnosed with Stage 3 lymphoma in early 2016 he knew the uncertain health journey ahead would be arduous, not only for himself but for Nathaniel Washington, his partner of about a year.

Thiry gave Washington permission to leave his side if he ever became overwhelmed. “I remember saying you can go, this is a lot, I understand,” Thiry said.

Washington at first doubted he had the strength to stand by his partner, but he overcame those doubts with the help of his mother. “She said, ‘Are you in love with him?’ I said I am,” Washington said. “She said, ‘Well, baby, you got a job to do.’”

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