Dear Family and Friends,

Welcome to my fundraising page!  Please help me support Team Foster by making a donation through my fundraising page for Ruff Ride Pittsburgh.  

WHY I RIDE: On May 2, 2016, I lost my law partner and friend, Kristen, to suicide on the day our firm opened.  What should have been a moment of celebration was suddenly an unspeakable tragedy.  From that day on, I have dedicated my time, effort, and energy to organizations that work to prevent suicide and eradicate the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues.  Working alongside Kristen, I never knew that she was struggling.  I often look back and wonder what I could have done to help her, or prevent her from taking her life.  I cannot go back in time to help Kristen, but I have made it my personal mission to help others that are struggling, or contemplating suicide.  

Did you know that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide daily?  Medical Service Dogs provide love, companionship, and can do all sorts of amazing things for their owners.  Did you also know that Medical Service Dogs prevent suicide in the veteran community?  However, the cost of each dog is approximately $22,000.  Funds from this ride will be used  to train and match Medical Service Dogs with veterans.  The cost for these dogs is high, but the results that they provide for their owners are priceless.  Your support WILL save lives! 

On September 17-18, 2022 our team will to ride a spin bike for 24-hours to raise money for this cause.  That's right! We will take turns keeping the bike going for 24 consecutive hours.

Even a small donation will help me achieve my goal!  The process is fast, easy, and secure. 

Team Foster honors the spirit and sacrifice of Captain Erick Foster who was killed while engaging enemy forces in 2007 in Iraq.  To carry on Erick’s legacy, our fundraising supports Team Foster’s mission: No Hero Left Behind.

Team Foster raises money to fund service dogs injured and disabled veterans suffering, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) —all at no cost to our veterans.

I am eager to raise money for Team Foster to fund service dogs for injured and disabled Veterans.   I hope you are able to support me.

Thank you in advance

With love and appreciation,

Katie

Welcome to Ruff Ride Pittsburgh: 24-Hour Spin Relay!

Ruff Ride challenges teams to tackle a 24-hour spin event. Starting September 17, 2022 we will take over Schenley Plaza in the heart of South Oakland. All proceeds go to fund service dogs for injured Veterans.

Why We Ride: Team Foster raises money to provide trained service dogs at no cost to Veterans, including those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Service dogs change the lives of veterans by providing the physical support and performing complex tasks enabling the veteran to heal.

Inspiration: Team Foster honors the spirit and sacrifice of Captain Erick Foster who was killed while engaging enemy; forces in 2007 in Iraq.  Erick comissioned from Pittsburgh Army ROTC program, where he honed his skills as a soldier and a leader.  He pushed himself and those around him to be better – to go a little farther, to give a little more.  And that’s what Team Foster does.  We go a little farther, we give a little more to support the service men and women who kept us safe.

We want YOU to go a little farther and give a little more. Welcome to the Team!

Team Foster is a 501(c)(3) charity organization founded to honor Captain Erick Foster though its mission: No Hero Left Behind.  Team Foster fights for the unmet needs of injured and disabled Veterans by bringing together civilians, Veterans and highly trained service dogs.

We do this by:

• Helping Veterans obtain highly-trained service dogs they need at no cost,
• Providing grants for the unmet needs of Veterans and their service dog,
• Ensuring Veteran service dogs receive the highest quality training,
• Promote Awareness of Service-Related PTSD and TBI, and advocate for the long-term needs of our Veterans.

If your company or organization is interested in sponsoring Team Foster, please email us at [email protected] for opportunities.

Team Foster was founded in honor of Captain Erick Foster.  A natural leader and a warrior, Erick pushed those around them to do more and to take care of their teammates.

Team Foster seeks to honor Erick's legacy by pushing ourselves and taking care of our teammates - the Veterans who have sacrificed so much on our behalf. Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are the signature wounds of post-9/11 warfare. Hundreds of thousand of Veterans have returned home afflicted with these invisible wounds. As a result, 20+ Veterans and military members lose their lives to suicide every day.

But there's hope: Service Dogs Save Lives.

Service dogs are an elegant solution to the complex symptoms of PTSD and TBI. An alternative to medications, these dogs have been proven over and over again to save the lives of our heroes. However, a properly trained and accredited service dog takes 2 years and costs over $25,000 to train. Team Foster fills this need and ensures that our Veterans receive the service dogs they need at no cost. We then partner with the Veteran to "watch their six" going forward by providing grants and additional support as needed.

Learn more about Team Foster at www.TeamFoster.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the handle: @weareteamfoster.

Checks or matching donations may be sent to:

Team Foster, PO Box 2145, Philadelphia, PA, 19103

• anonymous donated $25.00 August 30, 2022
• Brian Finneran donated $25.00 August 30, 2022