Stryker Sponsors Service Dogs for Veterans Living with the Invisible Wounds of Wars Through New Collaboration with K9s For Warriors

MAHWAH, N.J., April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Stryker Orthopaedics, the Official Joint Replacement Products of the PGA TOUR, today announced a new collaboration with K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of post-9/11 military service. Ninety-five percent of the canines in the program are rescued, many from dire situations, and trained to become service dogs. Stryker will sponsor four service canines throughout 2016, as well as make a donation to the organization for every Stryker hat purchased.

Army veteran Michael Carter, vice president and general manager of implant and robotic marketing, and other veterans from Stryker's local office, will present the first donation at an exclusive K9s For Warriors ceremony during the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The event will take place at the 19^th Hole Lounge on April 29 at 11:30 a.m. CT.

Louisiana native and Army Veteran Erick Scott and his service dog, Gumbo, will share their experience with the K9s For Warriors program. Like many other veterans, Scott credits Gumbo with helping him "hit the reset button" during stressful situations. Gumbo was sponsored by New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton's Play It Forward Foundation in 2014.

"Stryker has a long history of supporting our nation's military though education, programs, products and donations. This relationship reaffirms our commitment to helping veterans successfully transition to civilian life after their service," said Carter.

Stryker will donate three additional sponsored canines during similar ceremonies at The PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra, Florida, The Barclays in Bethpage, New York, and the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Stryker is also working with brand ambassadors Fred Funk and Hal Sutton, two of the most recognizable names and personalities in professional golf, to help support K9s For Warriors by making the same style Stryker hat worn by them available for golf fans. For every hat purchased, Stryker will make a donation directly to K9s For Warriors in order to give rescue dogs and veterans a new leash on life. Hats are available onsite at the Stryker Mobility Zone and may also be purchased by visiting www.StrykerChallenge.com.

"I've always been extremely grateful for our service men and women, and I know firsthand the incredible bond that is formed between a man and his dog. That's why I'm excited to work with Stryker and K9s For Warriors to support such a great cause," said Funk. What started as a few hats tossed by Funk to fans post-round has grown into an impactful and heartfelt program. A 35-year veteran of the sport, Funk underwent a total knee replacement with Stryker's GetAroundKnee in November 2009, which enabled him to get back on the course.

"Service animals have a profound impact on the lives of veterans with PTSD and/or TBI, helping them heal from the traumas they have experienced during their service" said Shari Duval, founder and president of K9s For Warriors. "We are thrilled to have Stryker's support in giving both rescue dogs and warriors a new leash on life."

For more information about Stryker's K9s For Warriors events or how to purchase a Stryker hat to support America's military heroes, please visit www.StrykerChallenge.com.

About Stryker
Stryker is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better. The Company offers a diverse array of innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. Stryker is active in over 100 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.stryker.com.

About K9s For Warriors
Founded in 2011, K9s For Warriors is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing service canines to warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or other trauma as a result of military service post-9/11. Their goal is to give a new leash on life to rescue dogs and military heroes, empowering warriors to return to civilian life with dignity and independence. For more information, visit www.k9sforwarriors.org.

SOURCE Stryker Orthopaedics

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