If you’ve known me at any point over the last decade, chances are you’ve seen a guide dog by my side.

There was Karleen, my sweet girl who taught me what it felt like to fly and was my best friend through college and my first job.

There was Kay, who taught me how to love a dog enough to let her go when that was what was best for her, even when it wasn’t what I wanted.

And now there’s Quinlan, my first boy, who can zig-zag through packed New York City crowds at full speed without missing a beat. Then the harness comes off, and he’s cuddling Lamby Wamby, playing tug-of-war, or tearing through the apartment with the zoomies.

But long before a guide dog meets the person whose life they’ll change, a whole community has already poured years of time, skill, and love into them—from volunteers and puppy raisers to trainers. And that support doesn’t end at graduation: whenever I need advice or hands-on help, Guiding Eyes is there.

That’s why Quinlan and I are participating in the WAGATHON in support of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

This month, we’ll complete 26.2 miles together. Not on a racecourse, but through everyday life: commuting to work, going to church, tandem biking, seeing friends and family, and navigating New York City.

Those miles may sound ordinary. To me, they’re not.

They’re independence, confidence, choice, and the freedom to move through my day with less stress.

If you’re able to donate or share with your network, even $5 helps Guiding Eyes raise and train future guide dogs and continue supporting partnerships like mine.

Every donation helps bring the next guide dog and person together.