The Ryan Shazier Fund For Spinal Rehabilitation

What The Ryan Shazier Fund For Spinal Rehabilitation does

The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 and headquartered at 6360 Broad Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier following his personal recovery from a severe spinal cord injury sustained during a December 2017 Monday Night Football game. Given only a 20% chance of walking again, Shazier underwent more than 130 rehabilitation sessions and regained the ability to walk — a recovery journey that underpins the organization's mission of giving SCI survivors and their caregivers the support, resources, and funding needed to live independent and meaningful lives. The Fund operates a portfolio of five core programs rather than a unified technology product: the Golden Window Program (direct financial stipends up to $15,000 to SCI survivors during the critical first 24 months post-injury), the Caregivers' Portal (support programs, respite services, and a private Facebook community for unpaid family caregivers), Ryan Time (private one-on-one mentorship conversations with Shazier), an Events Program (adaptive sports, Disability Pride celebrations, and fundraisers), and an SCI Resources Library.

Programs serve SCI survivors and caregivers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The Fund is funded through individual donations, a corporate partnership network spanning 15+ named organizations across professional sports (Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins Foundation, Pirates Charities), major regional healthcare systems (UPMC, Allegheny Health Network, Highmark), financial services (PNC Bank), and consumer brands (Dick's Sporting Goods, Giant Eagle, FanDuel, 84 Lumber, CAA Sports), plus merchandise sales via MurryAVE.com. Distribution occurs through online application portals (quarterly Golden Window cycles), event-based engagement, social media community building, and a private Facebook group ecosystem. The organization has no proprietary technology platform or AI capabilities and operates as a community-led, partnership-driven nonprofit service organization with revenue and headcount figures not publicly disclosed.

Name

The Ryan Shazier Fund For Spinal Rehabilitation

Legal name

The Ryan Shazier Fund For Spinal Rehabilitation

Website

https://ryanshazierfund.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation is a Pittsburgh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides up to $15,000 financial stipends, caregiver respite programs, and personal mentorship to spinal cord injury survivors and their caregivers across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Support

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYHLAFAFAM

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centers

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Healthcare Providers & Systems/Post-Acute Care & Rehabilitation Facilities

Keywords

• Spinal cord rehabilitation
• Caregiver support services
• Nonprofit disability assistance
• Adaptive rehabilitation funding
• SCI recovery programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The Fund relies on public donations, fundraising events, and direct contributions from individuals and organizations to support SCI individuals and their caregivers.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsors provide financial support and in-kind contributions as part of the Fund's corporate partnership program.
3. Merchandise Sales: The Fund sells merchandise including apparel and accessories through MurryAVE.com to generate revenue for programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation is a nonprofit organization that provides direct financial stipends (up to $15,000 through the Golden Window Program), caregiver support resources (Caregivers' Portal), personal mentorship conversations (Ryan Time), and community-building events to individuals with spinal cord injuries and their unpaid caregivers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Programs target the critical first 24 months post-injury when rehabilitation access most strongly influences long-term recovery outcomes.

Product overview

The Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation operates as a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of support programs rather than a unified technology product. The core offerings include the Caregivers' Portal (providing resources and community for caregivers), the Golden Window Program (financial stipends up to $15,000 for SCI recovery), Ryan Time (personal mentorship conversations with Ryan Shazier), an Events Program (community-building activities), and an SCI Resources Library. These programs work together to address the financial, emotional, and informational needs of spinal cord injury survivors and their caregivers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Golden Window Program A direct financial support stipend program providing up to $15,000 (including any sales tax and installation fees) to individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries during the critical first 24 months of rehabilitation. Funds are paid directly to providers (not as reimbursement) and cover additional rehab sessions, home adaptations and modifications, adaptive vehicle purchase or adaptation, mental health services, durable medical equipment, adaptive exercise/sporting equipment, caregiving/respite services, and adaptive technology. Serves residents of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Applications are reviewed quarterly by a panel of doctors, nurses, caregivers, and SCI individuals.
• Caregivers' Portal A centralized hub providing programs, resources, and community support specifically designed for unpaid caregivers (typically family members) of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Includes the Caregivers' Timeout Program (respite care support), a caregiver handbook, a private Facebook support group, and cards of encouragement for caregivers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
• Ryan Time A private one-on-one conversation program between Ryan Shazier and an SCI individual or family, delivered via video conference or in-person visits. Provides personal guidance, inspiration, and support from someone who has experienced spinal cord injury recovery firsthand. Applications are submitted via DonorPerfect or Submittable portals.
• Events Program A portfolio of community-building events hosted, funded, or supported by the Fund throughout the year. Includes the signature Run for the Black and Gold fundraiser, Disability Pride celebrations, SCI Funfest, Family Retreat Weekend, adaptive boating/fishing events (Erie, PA), Adaptive Adventures Trackchair events (Frick Park), adaptive sports activities, and community picnics. Designed to combat isolation and foster connection among SCI individuals and caregivers.
• SCI Resources Library An extensive library of resources, advice, and advocacy information for individuals with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers, covering topics ranging from adaptive equipment to healthcare access, financial assistance, and daily living support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ryan Shazier defied 20% chance of walking again to regain ability to walk through 130+ rehab sessions
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting partner, core partner and flagship partner.

• 84 Lumbersupporting partnerOthersCorporate partner committed to supporting the Fund's mission of helping those with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers.
• Allegheny Health Networkcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system partnership supporting SCI rehabilitation services and community programs in the Pittsburgh region.
• Dick's Sporting Goodssupporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing support for adaptive sports programs and events.
• FanDuelsupporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Fund events and community initiatives.
• Giant Eaglesupporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional grocery retailer corporate partner supporting community events.
• HighmarkStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealth insurance partner supporting healthcare access for SCI individuals.
• Pittsburgh Steelersflagship partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerRyan Shazier's former NFL team, partner for events and fundraising. Run for the Black and Gold event features current and former Steelers.
• Pittsburgh Penguins Foundationcore partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerNHL team foundation partnership supporting adaptive sports and community events.
• Pittsburgh Pirates/Pirates Charitiescore partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerMLB team partnership for Disability Pride games and community events at PNC Park.
• The Cameron Heyward Foundationsupporting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerSteelers player foundation partnership for community support programs.
• UPMC Health Servicescore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor healthcare system partnership supporting SCI rehabilitation and medical services.
• CAA Sportscore partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerSports agency partnership supporting athlete-related events and fundraising.
• United Spinal PGHcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for SCI Funfest and community events supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries.
• The Woodlands Foundationcore partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for SCI Funfest and Family Retreat Weekend events in Wexford, PA.
• Hope Networksupporting partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisability services organization partner for adaptive sports and recreation programs.
• Three Rivers Adaptive Sportssupporting partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPittsburgh adaptive sports organization partner for community recreation programs.
• Pittsburgh Parks Conservancysupporting partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Adaptive Adventures Trackchair events at Frick Park.
• At the Lake Ministriessupporting partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Adaptive Boating/Fishing events in Erie, PA using the accessible Jo-Ann M vessel.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: The leading national nonprofit dedicated to spinal cord injury research, advocacy, and quality-of-life grants. Closest direct peer — operates a national SCI grant program (Quality of Life Grants) and caregiver support resources analogous to the Fund's Golden Window and Caregivers' Portal.
• United Spinal Association: National nonprofit supporting people with spinal cord injuries and disorders through advocacy, resources, and chapter-based peer support. Directly comparable in serving SCI individuals and caregivers with a community/peer-support orientation.
• Travis Roy Foundation: Spinal cord injury nonprofit providing adaptive equipment grants and quality-of-life support to SCI survivors. Closely comparable in athlete-founder origin, stipend/grant model, and SCI recovery focus.
• Unite 2 Fight Paralysis: SCI-focused nonprofit advocating for improved rehabilitation access, cure research, and community support. Directly comparable mission around expanding rehab sessions beyond insurance limits, mirroring the Fund's Golden Window thesis.

Emerging players

• Push to Walk: Nonprofit providing specialized exercise-based rehabilitation and wellness programs for SCI survivors. Comparable focus on extending rehab sessions beyond insurance limits, though smaller and more regionally concentrated in NJ.
• The Will2Walk Foundation: SCI-focused nonprofit funding rehabilitation therapy and adaptive equipment for individuals living with paralysis. Closely comparable in providing direct financial support for SCI recovery needs.

Broad incumbents

• Shepherd Center: Specialty rehabilitation hospital in Atlanta with deep SCI rehabilitation expertise and a peer/family support program. Adjacent rather than competing — represents the type of clinical partner the Fund could increasingly route Golden Window beneficiaries to.
• Paralyzed Veterans of America: Large national nonprofit serving veterans and civilians with SCI, offering advocacy, research funding, and direct support. Overlaps with the Fund's SCI beneficiary base but operates at national scale with a much broader advocacy remit.
• Craig Hospital: World-renowned specialty hospital for SCI and TBI rehabilitation based in Colorado, with a foundation that provides financial assistance and adaptive equipment to patients. Comparable SCI rehabilitation mission with deeper clinical delivery.

Regional players

• Magee Rehabilitation Hospital: Philadelphia-based rehabilitation hospital serving SCI patients in the mid-Atlantic. Regional peer that overlaps with the Fund's PA service area and could be a referral or co-funding partner for Golden Window recipients.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/groups/468532021863368
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ryanshazierfund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Ryan Shazier Fund For Spinal Rehabilitation