Donald Rodriguez learned he has Bipolar 1 Disorder after a harrowing overnight mountain climbing episode in Alaska during the winter of 2016. He lives with his parents in Sunfish Lake, Minnesota, along with his dog, Leo. He graduated from Boston University and plans to enter medical school.

Penelope Rodriguez is the mother of three adult children, including Donald. She runs a medical clinic in Eagan, Minnesota. In addition to Leo, she has two dogs of her own—Gordie and Ducky—to keep her busy at home.