Events
Creating community for those in need.
One of the most devastating and long-lasting results of a spinal cord injury (SCI) is isolation—both for SCI individuals and their caregivers. As a result, those with SCIs and their support network often report dealing with depression. And it’s often difficult to find people going through the same challenges, who can relate to both the day-to-day struggles and the little triumphs along the way.
See our monthly events calendar below. You can also check out our private Facebook Groups, The Ryan Shazier Fund Family and The Ryan Shazier Fund Caregivers Portal where you can be part of an active community that strives to exchange ideas that lead to increased independence.
Disability Pride Philadelphia
Parade kicks off at City Hall on the north apron at 11:30 am. Festivities kick off at 12 pm.
Ice Cream Fundraiser
Special Appearance from Ryan! 25% of all sales from 1-4 PM will benefit the Fund.
Adaptive Adventures - Trackchairs at Frick Park
Get outside with the Ryan Shazier Fund for an evening of adventure and community! We’re partnering with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to offer members of the spinal cord injury community the opportunity to try all-terrain Trackchairs and explore the trails of Frick Park in a whole new way. Enjoy the fresh air, connect with others, and experience accessible recreation with us—we can’t wait to see you there!
Snacks and drinks will be available at the park pavilion, where participants can relax and connect while others are out on the trails.
This event is free to anyone interested, although registration is required (use link below). Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy staff are unable to assist with transfers to and from Trackchairs, so please be sure to note in the form whether or not you will be bringing a support person to assist you with your transfer, or if you'll need someone from Ryan Shazier Fund staff to help. There is waiver that is required to be completed by anyone trying Trackchairs which will be sent to you upon completing the registration form.
Pirates Disability Pride Game
Be part of the celebration as we cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates when they face the Milwaukee Brewers at 12:35pm on July 12th. A portion of each ticket purchased through our link will directly support the Fund. Use our link to purchase your discounted tickets and show your Disability Pride!
Adaptive Boating/ Fishing in Erie
Enjoy a relaxing, fun, accessible day of boating and fishing in Erie, PA!
In partnership with At the Lake Ministries, we’re excited to offer a safe, comfortable, wheelchair-accessible boating experience for members of the SCI community. Registration required. Cost is $20 per person. Visit atthelakeministries.org to learn more about the Jo-Ann M, the 53' long accessible vessel!
Spots are Limited and will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
RSF x United Spinal PGH Summer Picnic
Join the Fund and United Spinal for a summer picnic. Registration is required. Sign-up form coming soon!
Baseball for All at Washington Wild Things Game!
Join the Fund for “Baseball for All” as the Washington Wild Things take on Evansville. Purchase your discounted tickets using our link.
Run for the Black and Gold
Our signature fundraising event takes place on May 15, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium. Our celebrity jockeys and “horses” are in training for what has been traditionally ranked as one of Pittsburgh’s best parties. The mock horse racing event (think of the Kentucky Derby with a Steel City flair) features a roster of current and former Steelers and other Pittsburgh icons! You’ll also enjoy great food, music, a live auction, and the chance to bet on the celebrity race (last year’s winners split a pot of more than $100,000).
SCI Funfest
Join us at the Woodlands for our second SCI Funfest, August 26. Enjoy fun crafts, including creating tie-dyed shirts. Get a free family portrait from a professional photographer. There will also be karaoke with Sing Sing Sing. And enjoy pizza compliments of Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse. The Funfest promises to be a exciting day out for the entire family.
Event Schedule:
1-1:30– Kickoff with The Pine Richland Marching Band- The Quad
1:30-3:30pm– Adaptive Golf with North Hills Golf Academy- Golf Course
2-4pm– Karaoke and Performances from Sing Sing Sing- Lambert Family Amphitheater
1-4pm– Professional Portraits with Amy from Believe, Create, Inspire- Next to Amphitheater
1-4pm– Activities, Crafts, and Games- The Quad
• Wax hands, Caricature drawings, and Tie-Dye T-shirts- Ryan Shazier Fund
• Wheelchair Obstacle Course- United Spinal PGH
• Wiffle Ball Toss- MobilityWorks
• Outdoor Technologies- HERL
• Trivia- Rebuild Better Together
• Bracelet Making- Empowering Hope
• Wheelchair Pong- UPMC Rehabilitation Institute
• Handcycles and Lawn Games- The Woodlands
• Lollipop Tree- Achieva Family Trust
• Puck Toss – Mighty Penguins
• Wheelchair Basketball- Hope Network (on the basketball court)
• Trivia- NextSteps PGH
1-4pm– Caliente Pizza and Graeter’s Ice Cream (Until it is gone!)- The Cafeteria
RSF Pirates Game
Join us at the Pirates game on July 16th! Tickets are free but we've only got a certain amount so sign up now! Click the link to register.
The Ryan Shazier Fund recognizes the importance of community building. We strive to hold events throughout the year that are not only informative but also fun.
— Ryan Shazier