People also will rally for them Saturday during a fundraiser, including a chili dinner, raffles and other activities, that family and friends will host from 3 to 10 p.m. at All Star Lanes Banquet Hall at 4375 Mormon Coulee Road in La Crosse. It also will be the couple’s sixth anniversary.

Tina, a supervisor at a Navy Federal Credit Union, said she has been adjusting to everyday tasks and learning to navigate with a temporary prosthetic leg. She is able to drive and was behind the wheel for part of the couple’s road trip back to La Crosse this week for the holidays.

Her mother, Pam Veglahn, said, “She’s got an amazing attitude about it. She has her moments, but she even has a sense of humor about it sometimes.”

Erik, who has been in the U.S. Marines for 7½ years and has attained the rank of sergeant, said the results of the crash have “been good and terrible.”

“It brought our family closer together and friends closer together,” he said.

“It’s tough getting around and takes longer to get ready,” Erik said. “When we both were on crutches, we were pretty much helpless. We couldn’t take out the garbage, we couldn’t cook. It makes you grateful for what you do have.”