This December, I'll be running my first marathon.

Like many first-time marathoners, I started this journey looking for a personal challenge. But as the miles add up, I want this race to be about something bigger than me crossing a finish line. That's why I've set a goal to raise $2,620 – $100 for every mile of the marathon. Every dollar raised will go directly to Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue to support their lifesaving work and help provide food, medical care, training, and second chances for dogs in need.

For the past 2 years, I've volunteered with Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to giving displaced Labrador Retrievers a second chance. I've seen firsthand the impact that rescue can have – not just on the dogs we save, but on the people who welcome them into their homes and hearts.

Rescue work isn't always easy. Behind every adoption is a team of volunteers, fosters, veterinarians, transporters, and supporters working together to help each dog find safety, healing, and a forever home. Some dogs need only a little help. Others require extensive medical care, training, or rehabilitation before they're ready for their next chapter.

As I train for 26.2 miles, I'm reminded that meaningful things rarely happen overnight. Progress comes one step at a time, one mile at a time, and in rescue, one dog at a time.

Throughout my training journey, I'll be sharing updates from the road, milestones along the way, and stories of some of the incredible dogs whose lives have been changed through rescue. (Stay tuned for some cute photos of our 14 foster dogs Eric and I have hosted...)

Whether you're able to donate, share this fundraiser with others, or simply cheer me on (from home our out on the course during race day!), thank you for being part of this journey. Your support is immeasurably meaningful!

Together, we can turn marathon miles into second chances for labs. Thank you for helping me help rescue dogs find their way home.

(P.S. You may wonder why I love Labs so much. I do love all dogs, but Labs have an extra special place in my heart thanks to my service dog Somers, who does 'deep pressure therapy' tasking to help me manage my symptoms of OCD. She's by my side about 99% of the time in life (I do leave her at home when I'm running long miles, or when picking up a new foster dog from a shelter.) She has truly changed my life and while the work of a task-trained service animal is unique, requiring immense dedicated training and time, I believe Labrador Retrievers are an incredible dog breed and anyone can benefit from loving a Lab and having a companion in their family. Whether someone adopts a younger Lab who becomes an adventure buddy for life, or gives a senior Lab a soft place to land in its elder years, Labs are some of the most loving, eager, and loyal dogs around. I feel it is part of my of my life's calling to help as many Labs as possible to find amazing families. Thank you for supporting my dreams!)

Marathon Miles for Labrador Smiles

26.2 miles. One first marathon. Countless dogs helped along the way.

Team Members