I am so excited to be running the 2026 Hamptons Half Marathon to raise money in support of Canine Companions DogFest! I'm incredibly thankful I get the chance to pair my love for dogs with my love for running, all while raising funds for such a fabulous mission: Giving the Gift of Independence.

Canine Companions provides expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, veterans with disabilities, and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings ... FREE of charge. Independence shouldn't be limited to those who look or live a certain way. Disability reaches all races, classes and backgrounds, and Canine Companions does too. The sense of belonging and inclusion this organization provides is like no other, and I couldn't be more proud to both work and volunteer for their Northeast Region.

After being a part of this community for 5+ years now, I've seen the beauty behind the magic and have learned how it truly does take a village. I've both seen and experienced the miracles & unconditional love these dogs have to offer. I'm so lucky I get to take care of these pups in Professional Training as a Canine Wellness Technician, helping them along their journeys and getting them to where they are truly meant to be. Watching them learn and grow from Matriculation to Graduation is such a beautiful full-circle feeling, something that would not be possible without incredible volunteers/donors like you. 

It costs tens of thousands of dollars to raise, train, and place just one of these amazing dogs, and your donation directly helps "unleash the potential" of a person waiting for their perfect match. Thank you so very much for your support to help Canine Companions continue to breed, raise, train, and match dogs that give the gift of independence. 

#LeadWithIndependence #ForTheDogs

canine.org/get-involved/ways-to-volunteer/dogfest

hamptonsmarathon.com