Thrive in Joy Romances: What Could Be More Life-Changing Than Meeting Your Soulmate?

Bethany Cooke and Alex Zamora in Bethany’s words…

The year was 2018 and I was a sophomore at the University of Southern California. Being a college student, I wanted to do something fun for my spring break but I remember thinking, “If only I could travel, but also give back to others.” By fate, I was connected with the incredible organization, Thrive In Joy, through which I learned about Nick and his legacy. I had an amazing and unforgettable experience traveling to the Dominican Republic (DR) with Thrive in Joy. On that trip, I worked with children in Herrera and was able to give back to one of the most vibrant and inspiring communities I’ve ever witnessed. 

My trip with Thrive in Joy ended too soon, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the organization in any way I could. I interned with Thrive in Joy working with Mary on future mission trips to the DR, fundraising, and increasing Thrive in Joy’s presence on social media. Very quickly, Mary became my mentor and friend. In July of 2019 Mary told me she had someone she wanted me to meet. Little did I know, this person, who was one of Nick’s close friends, was with him on that fateful day at Venice beach. While I had no idea what to expect, I knew that if Mary approved, I was in good hands.

From our first date, I knew there was something special about Alex. We spent the whole evening talking about our life goals and family. I quickly understood why Mary connected us. Fast forward five years, Alex and I are engaged and planning our May 2, 2025 wedding. We will always hold the Fagnano family and the Thrive in Joy community close to our hearts as they are an integral part of our story. As we enter this next chapter, I can’t help but look back and feel grateful to Thrive in Joy for bringing us together.

Cindy Gonzalez and Josue Najera in Cindy’s words…

Our story began when I met Josue in elementary school, but as life would have it, we went our separate ways. Neither of us could have predicted our paths would cross again, but thanks to the Thrive in Joy Nick Fagnano Foundation (TJNFF), we were brought back together in the most beautiful and unexpected way. TJNFF became a deeply personal part of Josue’s life after losing his close friend, Nick. As a board member, Josue became involved in planning and leading  mission trips to the Dominican Republic (DR) to spread Nick’s legacy of joy, service, and faith. This work brought Josue close to the USC Caruso Catholic Center (the CC), where TJNFF connects with students through the CC’s Alternative Spring Break program.

At the time, I was attending USC for my undergraduate studies. One Sunday when Josue was visiting the Caruso Center with his TJNFF family, I was attending Mass and, once again, our worlds collided.  What seemed like a chance encounter turned into something so much more – the rekindling of a bond that started long ago. That moment, made possible through our shared connection to TJNFF, marked the beginning of a new chapter of our story.

Nearly six years later, we are planning our January 4, 2025 wedding. We reflect with gratitude on how Thrive in Joy provided the foundation for a lifelong partnership. Thrive in Joy’s mission of spreading love, joy, and service in Nick’s honor helped Josue and  I find our way back to one another –for which we are, and forever will be, immensely thankful.