Former Steeler Ryan Shazier brightens holidays of 4 people with spinal cord injuries

Dec. 22—Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier continues his mission to support those affected by spinal cord injuries.

Shazier arrived Wednesday morning at the Giant Eagle Market District in The Waterworks shopping center near Aspinwall to welcome four people with spinal cord injuries who were invited to participate in a free holiday shopping event.

Shazier, 30, founded the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation after experiencing a life-altering spinal cord injury while playing for the Steelers during the 2017 NFL season.

Wednesday's event was part of the foundation's "Ryan Time" component.

Participants were Andy Reese of Murrysville, Frank Iusi of Pittsburgh, Allen Parker of Pittsburgh's North Side and Ryan Fissella of Everson.

Each participant received a Giant Eagle gift card worth $250 to shop for anything in the store.

Before the shopping excursion began, Shazier held a moment of silence with those attending to honor retired Steeler and friend Franco Harris, who died early Wednesday.

"Franco was an amazing person who supported the foundation," Shazier said. "He was at one of our events this past year. It's bittersweet, and I wanted to take time for him because he's done so much for the foundation."

Ryan Time, created by Shazier, focuses on him making personal connections with people who have suffered spinal cord injuries.

Additionally, the Golden Window Program is a stipend-based program offering up to $15,000 in support for those with spinal cord injuries living in Eastern Ohio, Northern West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.

Parker was on a shopping mission Wednesday, shopping for traditional holiday meal items.

Parker was 21 when a gunshot injury left him paralyzed from the waist down.

He connected with Shazier's organization through a mutual friend with a spinal injury.

"It's just a good opportunity to surprise my mom," said Parker, 27. "We'll have a good Christmas dinner."

It was Parker's third event with the Shazier's organization, and he was grateful to be included.

"He's (Shazier) awesome. I love him," Parker said. "He's one of my good brothers now, too."

The nonprofit's mission is to give those with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers the resources, support and funding they need to live independent and meaningful lives.

"I remember being in different parts of my life in some of the same spots that some of these individuals that we're helping are in now," Shazier said. "I see how blessed I was to get back to being on my feet and be independent again. So I think it's very important to help people to be allowed to have independence and give back."

"To allow people to see my face while they're actually able to shop for their families, or spend a few days or weekend with them while they're at a retreat, or have a phone call with them, that means a lot," Shazier said. "Because a lot of these individuals are going through some of the toughest times of their life."

Shazier said Wednesday he is feeling great, but he hinted he would like to ramp up his workouts a bit.

He credited his faith, family and God for his road to recovery and his mission.

"I'm doing well," Shazier said. "God has blessed me and my family tremendously."

Shazier brought his two young sons to the event while he posed for photos, settled in for chats with the participants and gave out the shopping gift cards, courtesy of Giant Eagle.

Reese, 48, suffered a spinal cord injury three years ago from a swimming pool accident.

"In the blink of an eye, my world was flipped upside down," Reese said.

Reese and his wife, Courtney, planned to shop Wednesday specifically for a ham they plan to take to a relative's house for Christmas dinner.

The Reeses have met with Shazier numerous times. They praised his generous spirit and compassionate nature.

"It's just nice having people like Ryan's foundation to be so generous," Reese said. "It's incredible because he actually really cares about people in the spinal cord injury community. He goes out of his way to make sure everyone's happy.

"He sits down with you and talks about problems, and he's easy to talk to."

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .