Stryker donates to K9s For Warriors to conclude 2022 Minor League Baseball activation

This season, the Official SmartRobotics™ Joint Replacement Partner of Minor League Baseball donates more than $65,000 to longtime partner as part of its "Own the Walk" campaign

MAHWAH, N.J., USA – Dec. 20, 2022 – To conclude Stryker's "Own the Walk" campaign for 2022, the company donated more than $65,000 to K9s For Warriors, the nation's largest provider of trained Service Dogs to American veterans living with military-related trauma. This is a $10,000 increase from 2021. The "Own the Walk" campaign, in partnership with Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™), began with Stryker's pledge to give $1 for every walk issued to a batter during the regular season. Stryker has been a committed partner of K9s For Warriors since 2015, having sponsored 35 service dogs to date — the largest number by any corporate partner.

“It’s been another great season for Stryker’s ‘Own the Walk’ campaign in support of K9s For Warriors,” said Don Payerle, president of Stryker's Joint Replacement division. "Stryker remains committed to supporting and empowering our nation's military veterans and making healthcare better for all."

Throughout the season, Stryker joined Minor League Baseball fans nationwide to educate attendees on joint health and treatment options, including Mako SmartRobotics™ technology for joint replacement surgery and other non-surgical procedures.

“We are incredibly grateful for Stryker’s support to further our mission to end veteran suicide,” said K9s For Warriors CEO, Carl Cricco. “K9s For Warriors has the everyday privilege of seeing the impact a Service Dog has on a veteran. With a battle buddy by their side, the veteran returns to a life of dignity and independence. Stryker’s generosity allows us to continue improving veteran lives.”

It is important for those living with joint pain to speak with their healthcare professional about treatment plans available to them. Getting educated on treatment options may help prevent further pain and complications. To learn more about joint health treatment options, please visit makosmartrobotics.com.

All surgery carries risk. See your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your potential benefits and risks. Not all patients will have the same postoperative recovery and activity level. Individual results vary.

About Stryker
Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in Medical and Surgical, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes. Alongside its customers around the world, Stryker impacts more than 100 million patients annually. More information is available at www.stryker.com.

About Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball consists of 120 teams across four classification levels (Low-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A) that are affiliated with Major League Baseball's 30 teams. Fans flock to Minor League Baseball games to see baseball's future stars and experience the affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of Minor League Baseball since 1901. For more information, visit MiLB.com. Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About K9s For Warriors
Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation's largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from Arizona University’s OHAIRE Lab) demonstrating Service Dogs' ability to help mitigate their veteran's symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence.
Find more information at www.k9sforwarriors.org | Facebook | Twitter

Media contact
Stryker, Joint Replacement
Niamh Grano
Sr. Communications Manager
niamh.grano@stryker.com
201.831.5589