Day at the Races Program

Since its inception, hundreds of spinal cord injured people and their families have attended a Day at the Races' program, which was developed by Sam to build upon his team's participation at racetracks throughout the country.

At the racetrack locations, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation contacts local rehabilitation centers and organizations for the disabled, inviting patients and family members to attend a behind-the-scenes' guided tour of the garage area and enjoy a catered lunch. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the drivers and view on-track activities. Guest speakers address many areas of concern, including: transition from inpatient rehabilitation to the home, insurance problems, homecare, family and transportation. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the topic of post injury employment since many newly disabled people begin to believe there are no opportunities. Rather than accepting a life of social welfare and becoming a burden on society, encouragement and practical information are provided for attendees. A mobile 'resource center' containing literature on topics such as adaptive devices, national and local sports programs, accessible transportation, medical research and other beneficial information is available.

As a reminder of the day, participants also receive racing memorabilia , products from participating sponsors and contact information for future reference. In many instances the program offers the initial opportunity for patients to leave the rehabilitation hospital and enjoy the first of hopefully many days of activity with their families.

The program is structured and highly successful in achieving several very important goals that are essential to the future well being of the attendees and families:

Within a safe' environment, they are exposed to potential accessibility issues and challenges faced at public venues. Successfully maneuvering their way around the track and grounds and the opportunity to interact with people both with and without disabilities instills confidence and self-assurance. They realize they are able to meet new challenges presented to them and regain confidence in their ability to communicate and carry on conversations.
An informal forum is provided for interaction with other previously injured individuals. These people recount their stories, provide inspiration and real life examples on how and why not to give up on life or permit obstacles to deter them from reaching their goals. The realization becomes apparent that, while their life has dramatically changed, a fulfilling and productive life is within their grasp. These are experiences that cannot be learned in a book or hospital setting.
Resource materials on spinal cord injury research, adaptive technologies, sports programs, job training, the importance of maintaining healthy lives by exercising and physical therapy and other critical information is provided.

It's an exhilarating day and one that is long remembered for its message of hope and sense of excitement for the future. The program positively impacts the inpatient returning to the hospital by inspiring a new outlook on life and renewed enthusiasm toward physical therapy. The previously injured attendees become re-energized by new information received and feel a sense of community' and self-worth by supporting those who are newly injured. Equally important, the program is extremely beneficial to the attending family members who survived the initial trauma of their loved ones sustaining an injury and now know what to expect in the days and months ahead. While none of their lives will ever be the same, the Day at the Races' program instills confidence, provides essential information, the opportunity to get to know others who will lend assistance and hope for the future.

In a split second, doing every day activities such as riding a bike, crossing a road, driving a car or swimming, a life can be turned upside down and changed forever. With your support, the Day at the Races' program will provide uplifting experiences for many more people. Your support will play an important role in helping patients and their families cope with the uncertainty and trauma of a new disability and provide hope for the future.