Welcome to my Wag-athon page!

My name is Marin Baumer, and my guide dog is Kegan! I lost my sight in 2019 shortly after graduating from University of Miami. I was eager to start my career for Teach For America as a second grade teacher! While in Philadelphia looking at apartments with my boyfriend, Wesley, an object flew through our front windshield and hit me directly in the face. I lost my sight, smell, and broke many bones in my face immediately upon impact. Losing my sight so suddenly was not only disorienting, but left me feeling hopeless. I heard about Guiding Eyes for the Blind when I started taking classes at the Miami Lighthouse, and I submitted my application. I was fortunate enough to receive my first guide dog almost 2 years exactly to the day in which I lost my sight. I took part in the on-campus training program, and spent 10 days training with Kegan and my instructor Caryn Fellows. Kegan and I flew home on May 21, 2019 with more independence and emotional security than I could have ever imagined.
Guiding eyes for the blind not only gave me a perfect partner in my guide dog, but they also gave me an environment that I could excel independently and this motivated me to Challenge myself more. My travels to Guiding Eyes for the Blind on campus training program was the first time I flew by myself with a visual impairment, and the first time I stayed somewhere overnight independently. Since receiving my first guide dog, my day-to-day life has changed drastically. Kegan helps guide me to Ju Jit Su on a weekly basis, and helps get me to appointments and social outings. Having Kegan in my life has given me the confidence and stability to lead a more independent and fulfilling life.
I am beyond grateful for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and the staff that works day in and day out matching the visually impaired with their perfect partner. But I am also extremely grateful for the people who donate to such a remarkable organization and make it all possible. Kegan and I look forward to reaching our 26.2 mile goal over the month of September. Unfortunately I recently had a fall and fractured my left wrist so we will be accomplishing this goal with assistance from my boyfriend Wesley. Thank you to everyone Who has supported us through our journey!