NEWS
March 26, 2010
GET SOME SERIOUS TRACK TIME AT THE INAUGURAL HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST PETERSBURG 5K
Friday, March 26, 2010 - Experience a Victory Lap on the Same Track Where IndyCar Drivers Burn Rubber!
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation teams up with The Challenged Athletes Foundation of Florida and the Shoot For A Cure campaign in a race for recovery at the inaugural Honda Grand Prix of St.
March 15, 2010
GENERAL PETRAEUS, LT. BRENNAN TO TEAM UP AGAIN AT THE HONDA GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG 5K ON MARCH 26
Press Release
General David Petraeus, the Commander of U.S. Central Command in Tampa and former Commanding General of the Multi-National Force in Iraq will reunite with wounded veteran Brian Brennan at the Honda Grand Prix of St.
March 8, 2010
SCIENTIFIC UPDATE
Exciting Breakthroughs Reported
Exciting breakthroughs are being reported in the fields of computer-assisted movement, bionics and treatment for spinal cord injury.
TESTIMONIALS
The Foundation’s Day at the Races program continues to grow in popularity. SSPF is very grateful to Andretti Green Racing, who supports the program by providing their hospitality tent and a wonderful lunch for our guests.
IndyCar mascot Firehawk, courtesy of Bridgestone Firestone, is a favorite visitor. Guests have the opportunity to ask Sam any question and to speak openly and frankly about their treatments, life challenges and other topics of importance. Everyone is encouraged to share their life experiences with one another, solving problems along the way.
Thanks to the drivers who stop to chat with the guests, signing autographs and having photos taken.
TESTIMONIALS FROM DAY AT THE RACES
“Just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you very much for the opportunity you gave my daughter Mary at Chicagoland. I have not seen her smile so much as I did that day. She did get to meet Marco Andretti and that was the ultimate highlight of her day! As a matter of fact Marco’s mom Sandy came over to Mary, took Marco’s picture and had him sign it for her… Again, so many thanks for what you did. I don’t think I will ever be able to express all of my gratitude.” (From Michelle)
“Lunch with Sam Schmidt was another unique and inspirational opportunity that truly emphasized the fact that people with spinal cord injuries can be successful, respected and happy in their lives while pursuing their interests, hobbies and passions. Sam and his foundation should be commended for the efforts taken to address spinal cord injuries, but more than that, they should be commended for setting the bar high as a prime example of the much needed involvement of disabled individuals in furthering education, understanding and advocacy in the community.” (From Chris, C-6/C-7 quad, Milwaukee, WI)
“I enjoyed the Day at the Races. Hearing Sam speak about his foundation and the progress it has made is a testament to what can be accomplished when you have a solid organization behind you. The hospitality of the Andretti/Green staff was excellent.” (From Joe)
“Excellent event! This was a great opportunity! The hospitality was great! Thank you so much! Sincerely appreciate it!” (From Ramon)
“The foundation is doing a great job.. good to be part of it today!” (From Neill, Louisville KY)
“The Shriners folks can’t thank you, Sam, and the folks at Andretti Racing enough for your hospitality. It was an uplifting experience for our patients. One of our patients suffered a C-5/6 spinal injury this past April resulting in many complications, including being in isolation for the past 2 months. Saturday was the first time since his accident that he felt real joy. Thanks again.” (From Sahar)
"I would like to thank you, for a wonderful day and evening at the races. It's because of programs like this, and people like you, that make this life, this Country worth fighting for. Mr. Schmidt, it is an honor to have met you ! Your crew, your hole team. For the longest time, I have found it hard to be around people other than Veterans, people that I could trust. Again, I wanna say Thanks! For making life so comfortable that day. I felt like family, like a friend. " It's been a long time since I felt that". I lost a lot of friends over seas, they fought and died for what they believed in, People like you." (From James, St. Petersburg, FL - Wounded Warriers Project)
"May God bless you by opening new doors of ways to keep helping and motivating all of our Soldiers; Thank you. Amen. I would like to start by saying that when I was a young kid I always dreamed of going to the race track, but due to the fact that my mother was a single mom I wasn't able to go. But yesterday, April 3, 2009, that dream came true because of you! The Wounded Warrior Project, Sam Schmidt and Gregory Amira who took it upon himself to establish and find the means to get our Tuesday's PTSD group to the event. Our PTSD group is headed by Dr. Fitzgerald from the V.A. Out-Patient Clinic in Port Richey, Fl. My wife, my maybe future Son-in-law, and myself were impressed by the outpour of all the detail of the activity provided for us. There are no words to express my gratitude and the description of my emotions; thank you! I must add that I would have never been able to go to such an activity first, because of the people; second, the big open space and last the crowd not to mention the loud noises. But, because of the motivation inspired by the Wounded Warrior Project, and by Sam Schmidt who's biography we read (wife and I) I couldn't say No. Again, Thank you. I pray that the Wounded Warrior Project would continue to receive support from the Sam Schmidt's group and that our Soldiers may be able to receive such blessings. I would also pray for Sam Schmidt and his organization so that many other may be touch like I was. Amen." (From SSG Luis, St. Petersburg FL - Wounded Warriors Project)
"I want to write and thank you for the wonderful day that we enjoyed yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is not often that our 21 year old son enjoys something that his parents want to attend. Being that we can't travel without his help greatly limits what my husband is able to do so yesterday was a fabulous opportunity for our family. I just wanted to thank you again for all your help and work that you did in making this a special day for families with handicapped members." (From Marianne)