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October 5, 2007
SAM SCHMIDT NOMINATED FOR NSCIA HALL OF FAME ...
Disability Activist category ...
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The National Spinal Cord Injury Association has announced its nomination of Sam Schmidt for its 2007 class of the SCI Hall of Fame.
Schmidt is nominated under the Disability Activist category. Nominees in this category are those with a spinal cord injury or disease that has demonstrated activism towards change in support of greater equality, independence, and respect for persons living with a spinal cord injury.
Through his work with the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundat » more
| September 9, 2007
LOGAN GOMEZ WINS FIRST CAREER INDY PRO SERIES RACE ...
Press Release from Sam Schmidt Motorsports ...
JOLIET, Ill. – Sunday saw the closest finish in Indy Pro Series history as Sam Schmidt Motorsports driver Logan Gomez edged out teammate, 2007 Indy Pro Series Champion, Alex Lloyd, by 0.0005 seconds. No other race sanctioned by the Indy Racing League has had a closer margin of victory.
The win is Gomez’s first in his Indy Pro Series career. In fact, it’s his first win outside of go-kart racing. He led the last 21 laps in the 67-lap race. In total, he led 22.
Lloyd led 38 laps of the ra » more
| September 8, 2007
SAM SCHMIDT TO RECEIVE 2007 CURE AWARD ...
A note from Ida Cahill, President & CEO of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation ...
I want to share some very exciting news with you.
On September 9th, Sam Schmidt will receive a very prestigious award in Chicago from “Rally for the Cure” honoring him for all his work on behalf of people with spinal cord injuries, paralysis and other disabilities. It’s a wonderful honor and Sam is so pleased, as am I.
It is gratifying to see the persistent efforts of SSPF and Sam Schmidt acknowledged in this important way.
A great number of healthcare professionals and researchers b » more
| September 7, 2007
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION TO HOST DAY AT RACES AT CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY ...
...
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and Sam Schmidt
Motorsports will be hosting several guests as a part of its "Day at the
Races" program on Saturday, September 8th, at 12 p.m. in the Patron
Spirits/Racing Hospitality Tent.
The event, sponsored by the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, Chicagoland
Speedway, United Medical Providers, Quickie, and Patron Spirits and Racing,
will include a catered lunch courtesy of Patron Racing Hospitality, speeches
from the foundation's president, Ida » more
| September 5, 2007
Stem Cell Summit! ...
Reprinted from Americans for Cures newsletter ...
The Stem Cell Summit (on October 2-3, in Boston, Massachusetts) promises to be a veritable cornucopia of scientific and political information. Produced by great friend of the movement Bernard Siegel of the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI), the Summit brings together GPI, The Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and the same Burrill and Company who put on the outstanding Stem Cell Meeting earlier this year.
The Stem Cell Summit will take place at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Attendees wil » more
| September 5, 2007
State of Stem Cell Advocacy Forum ...
Reprinted from Americans for Cures newsletter ...
Americans for Cures Foundation is partnering with Michael J. Fox to create the first annual national forum on stem cell research issue advocacy. The State of Stem Cell Advocacy Forum 2007, to be held at the UCSF Mission Bay Community Center in San Francisco on November 10th & 11th, will provide stem cell research activists from around the country with the tools they need to make their voices heard.
Keynote speakers are two champions of change for stem cell research policy: Michael J. Fox, wh » more
| August 10, 2007
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION TO HOST DAY AT RACES AT KENTUCKY SPEEDWAY ...
...
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and Sam Schmidt
Motorsports will be hosting several guests as a part of its "Day at the
Races" program on Friday, August 10th, at 1 p.m. in the Andretti Green
Racing hospitality tent at the Kentucky Speedway.
The event, sponsored by United Medical Providers, Kentucky Speedway, and
Andretti Green Racing, will include a catered lunch courtesy of AGR,
speeches from the foundation's president, Ida Cahill, and founder, Sam
Schmidt, and a tour of the padd » more
| July 12, 2007
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION TO HOST DAY AT RACES IN NASHVILLE ...
...
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and Sam Schmidt Motorsports will be hosting several guests as a part of its “Day at the Races” program on Friday, July 13th, at 1 p.m. in the Andretti Green Racing hospitality tent at the Nashville Superspeedway.
The one-hour event will include a catered lunch courtesy of Andretti Green Racing, speeches from the foundation’s president, Ida Cahill, and founder, Sam Schmidt, and a tour of the paddock area of the Nashville Superspeedway.
Guests to the even » more
| July 3, 2007
BLOOD CLOTTING PROTEIN MAY INHIBIT SPINAL CORD REGENERATION ...
Research Update ...
A note from Ida Cahill, CEO, Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation: Following is a report from Katerina Akassoglou, Ph.D. who is one of the researchers SSPF has helped to support. New and exciting promises are occurring each and every day and Dr. Akassoglou’s work is an example of the progress being made in uncovering the mysteries surrounding spinal cord injuries. Together we will make a difference in the lives of millions of people.
Fibrinogen, a blood-clotting protein found in circulating bl » more
| June 9, 2007
SAM SCHMIDT AND ALEX LLOYD LAUNCH PLEDGE DRIVE ...
Press Release from Sam Schmidt ...
Sam Schmidt Motorsports and driver Alex Lloyd announced today the “Racing for Recovery Challenge,” a pledge drive to take place leading up to next weekend’s United States Grand Prix Liberty Challenge at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The team is offering a unique opportunity for companies and individuals to sponsor a race car with all proceeds going towards Sam Schmidt’s Paralysis Foundation.
Schmidt said, “As many races as Alex has been winning, we felt it’d be a great time to utilize h » more
| May 20, 2007
FOUNDATION IS RACING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ...
Reprinted from the INDIANAPOLIS STAR ...
INDIANAPOLIS STAR
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2007
By Susan Guyett
FOUNDATION IS RACING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Sam Schmidt told guests at the eighth annual Racing to Recovery gala Monday that donations to his foundation are making a difference.
“I’m more convinced now than ever that I’m going to walk someday and there are going to be thousands of people with me,” the former racecar driver said.
“It’s really just a matter of time and money.”
That’s just the message the audience of ove » more
| May 16, 2007
California Supreme Court Upholds Proposition 71! ...
reprinted from ...
Time to Celebrate!!
Supreme Court Upholds Proposition 71!
This afternoon, Wednesday, May 16th, the California Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of a lower court decision in favor of the California Independent Citizen's Oversight Committee, which was created through the voter-approved Proposition 71.
This decision frees the $3 billion in funding for stem cell research that has been stalled over the last 30 months by opponents' frivolous legal challenges. The California Institute for » more
| May 14, 2007
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL RACING TO RECOVERY GALA ...
...
On May 14, 2007, The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation held its Eighth Annual Racing to Recovery Gala in Indianapolis.
Over 400 people joined in the evening’s festivities, bidding on live and silent auction packages that included extreme racing experiences, racing memorabilia, vacations, artwork, jewelry, and much, much more.
A beaming Sam Schmidt thanked the guests, “The continued growth of the Foundation is due to all of you who support our efforts. What started out as just a few friends » more
| May 4, 2007
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION GEARS UP FOR GALA ...
...
Just 10 days remain before the eighth annual “Racing to Recovery Gala,” a benefit for the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, at Eddie Merlot’s in Indianapolis.
The annual event, with its founding sponsors Laura and Tony George, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the IndyCar Series, brings the racing community together to help raise funds for spinal cord research, rehabilitation, and recovery.
“This has been a great event for many years, and this year is shaping up to be even more excitin » more
| April 28, 2007
MR. SCHMIDT GOES TO WASHINGTON ...
...
Members of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation spent a busy few days in Washington, D.C., as founder, Sam Schmidt, and President, Ida Cahill, took part in the Unite 2 Fight Paralysis’ “Working 2 Walk 2007” event from April 22nd to April 24th. Immediately after, Cahill was an invited guest of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to be a part of their paralysis task force meeting that took place through the 26th.
On the 24th, Schmidt was one of the keynote speakers to address the rally g » more
| April 12, 2007
Senate Bill 5, The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, Passed ...
A message from American for Stem Cell Therapies and Cures ...
Senate Bill 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, passed: 63 to 34. Three supporters of the research did not vote. This is an overwhelming display of bipartisan support for this bill.
The next step is for the House and the Senate to work out the differences between S 5 and HR 3 (the version of the bill passed by the House of Representatives in January) in Conference.
After that, we expect that the President will veto the bill. We take heart in the promises by our champions i » more
| April 8, 2007
Important Issue for Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation To be Addressed ...
Contact your Senator! ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kaaveh Akbari
Mobile: (317) 727-6957
Email: [email protected]
IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION TO BE ADDRESSED
Note: The following is an excerpt from the S5 Action Alert distributed by “Americans for Cures.” Their website can be found at www.americansforcures.org.
This coming Monday, April 10, Senators in Washington will debate Senate Bill Five (S5), the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. Now is the time to act and we mu » more
| April 2, 2007
Relaxing ride with no barriers ...
Sam Schmidt, a quadriplegic, needed a wheelchair-accessible boat, and captain Mi ...
BY SUSAN COCKING
[email protected]
After his team's mixed result at Homestead Miami Speedway last weekend, the president of Sam Schmidt Motorsports decided to take some badly needed R & R on the water in Key Largo.
But taking a boat ride isn't as simple for Schmidt as for most people. A quadriplegic with no movement from the chest down since a 2000 racing accident, he needed a boat that is wheelchair-accessible. That's where captain Mick Nealey of Tranquil Adventures came in.
Ne » more
| March 29, 2007
FORMER RACER, NOW QUADRIPLEGIC, TO VISIT PATIENTS AT VA HOSPITAL ...
...
Sam Schmidt, founder of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, and its President, Ida Cahill, will be visiting patients at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa this weekend as part of the foundation's efforts to support injured soldiers returning from war.
"The entire board of the foundation feels very strongly about providing support for the brave men and women of the Armed Services," Cahill said. "For the past several years, we've funded organizations that address the solders' acce » more
| February 28, 2007
Stem Cell News Update ...
Reprinted from newsletter dated 2/28/07 ...
From: “Americans for Cures”
550 S. California Avenue | Suite 330 | Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 812-9304 | (650) 833-0105 (fax)
www.americansforcures.org
Stem Cell News Update
Proposition 71 Upheld in Court
We Won!!
For the second time in less than a year, the courts upheld the constitutionality of Proposition 71.
Since passage of Proposition 71, litigation challenging the Constitutionality of the Act and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the agency create » more
| December 7, 2006
Foundation Accepted for 2007 Combined Federal Campaign ...
A letter from SSPF CEO, Ida Cahill ...
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) was accepted to become part of the Combined Federal Campaign for 2007 (CFC 1750). This campaign is endorsed by the Federal Government and encourages employees to donate part of their paycheck to organizations of their choosing from a pre-qualified list. One of our challenges is to reach out to Federal employees (post office workers, Treasury, etc.) and individuals in the Armed Forces asking them to consider selecting SSPF as part of their philanthrop » more
| December 1, 2006
55 Ford Panel ...
My Therapy ...
Sam Schmidt asked, "Who says that people who are physically challenged need to be relegated to the use of oversized rolling bricks (i.e. conversion vans)?" The former Indy Racing League driver who was paralyzed from the neck down in a January 2000 testing crash always drove street rods and muscle cars prior to his injury. Although his Explorer Van has all the modern features, he longed for the day that he could once again ride in something fun and cool again. The difficulty was finding a way » more
| December 1, 2006
Brace for the Failure of the nwe HR-810 ...
...
by Jeff Eisen, Editor and Publisher, the Stem Cell Page
http://stemcellpage.com
This article found here:
http://www.stemcellpage.com/index_files/Editorial120106.htm
Just like you, I dream. I envision a world empowered to fight diseases and injuries. I can see a future in which diabetes, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, spinal cord injuries and a host of other conditions are defeated.
But I am also a realist. We all live in today. And today we have to face an unpleasant set of cir » more
| October 20, 2006
Sam Schmidt Motorsports Takes 2nd Championship, then celebrates in an unusual wa ...
Reprinted from Psi Upsilon Today ...
Psi Upsilon Today News & Notes.
A monthly newsletter connecting the undergraduates, alumni & families of Psi Upsilon Fraternity.
October 2006
Sam Schmidt, Lambda Sigma '86,(Pepperdine) owner of Sam Schmidt Motorsports and driver Jay Howard celebrate their second Indy Pro Series Championship at the Chicagoland 100 in September. Sam Schmidt, Lambda Sigma '86 (Pepperdine) received the "ride of a lifetime" recently, an aerobatic flight in a Klein Air Shows plane, coordinated and arranged » more
| September 26, 2006
Sam Schmidt to be Las Vegas "Walk of Stars" Honoree ...
...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2006
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ida Cahill – Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
(609) 882-6718 or (609) 638-2083
[email protected]
SAM SCHMIDT TO BE LAS VEGAS “WALK OF STARS” HONOREE
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (August 30, 2006) – Sam Schmidt, the former IndyCar Series driving star who became paralyzed as a result of an accident while testing for a race in 2000, will be receive a spot in the Las Vegas “Walk of Stars” on October 29.
The founder of t » more
| September 10, 2006
Indy Pro Series Season Championship ...
Sam Schmidt's Jay Howard wins IPS Season Championship! ...
Howard Wins Indy Pro Series Title at Chicagoland
JOLIET, Illinois (September 9) – In a race – and a championship – that was not decided until the final turn of the final lap of the final race of the season – Jay Howard did what he had to do to win the 2006 Indy Pro Series title for himself and Sam Schmidt Motorsports, with a third place finish to take the title ahead of teammate Jonathan Klein and defending series champion Wade Cunningham.
Howard started from the pole, but gave up the lead » more
| September 9, 2006
From Chicagoland Speedway ...
An update on Sam Schmidt's Indy Pro series (IPS) race team ...
From Chicagoland Speedway, Friday September 8, on a beautiful day for racecars…
An update on Sam Schmidt’s Indy Pro Series (IPS) race team:
It’s a close battle between Jay Howard and Jonathan Klein for the Indy Pro Series season championship. They are both great racers with very bright futures. In Friday’s qualifying, Jay Howard, driving the No. 7 Lucas Oil/Isilon car for Sam Schmidt Motorsports, set the bar with a lap of 188.774 mph. Later, Andretti Green Racing’s Jonathan Klein, in th » more
| September 8, 2006
Schmidt gets a wild ride ...
...
Thursday, September 7, 2006
By Tim Harms
(Reprinted from indycar.com)
Sam Schmidt’s plane took off from a small airport in Wheeling, Ill. Moments later, the Indy Pro Series team owner “thought he was going to end up in China.”
The former IndyCar Series driver had the experience of a lifetime on Sept. 7, going up in one of the airplanes used in the Klein Tools Air Show.
“We did everything,” Schmidt said. “We did a couple loops. We did several spins. We went vertical and did a stall and » more
| August 30, 2006
Racing to Recovery Golf Tournament ...
...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2006
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ida Cahill – The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
(609) 882-6718 or (609) 638-2083
[email protected]
THE SAM SCHMIDT FOUNDATION TO HOST
INAUGURAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (August 30, 2006) – Sam Schmidt, the former IndyCar Series driver who became a quadriplegic following a racing practice accident in 2000, has added another fund raising event to his long list of philanthropic activities desi » more
| July 29, 2006
To paralyzed former racer, Bush's stroke of pen is a veto of hope ...
Column by Ed Graney, Las Vegal Review-Journal ...
July 29, 2006
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Sam Schmidt thinks as he sits in the fastest powered wheelchair around. He’d be disappointed if it wasn’t, because when you have driven a race car 230 mph in the Indy 500, the thought of another paraplegic getting from the kitchen to the living room at a swifter pace could make you loopy.
It’s too bad Schmidt’s chair can’t zoom its way to all those storage tanks at all those fertility clinics holding all those embryos. He would find muc » more
| July 19, 2006
SAM SCHMIDT COMMENTS ON STEM CELL RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT ACT (H.R. 810) ...
...
“As a strong Christian, I was initially against the federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. I felt, like many Christians, that destroying these cells for scientific research was wrong. I have had a change of heart because now I understand the issue much better.
I was in the hunt for the IRL Championship in 1999 up until the final race, winning at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, leading in the Indianapolis 500 and enjoying an impressive season. Then, in a devastating accident during pra » more
| July 13, 2006
SAM SCHMIDT TO BE FEATURED GUEST ON ESPN-TV'S COLD PIZZA ...
...
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – Sam Schmidt, the founder of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and an advocate of stem cell research, will be a featured guest on ESPN-TV’s “Cold Pizza” show on Friday morning, July 14.
“Cold Pizza” airs live, nationally from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Eastern Daylight Time, on ESPN2 and is repeated from noon to 2 p.m.
Schmidt, who will be at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, TN for the weekend’s Infinity Pro Series and IndyCar Series races, will answer questions » more
| June 19, 2006
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Holds Day at the Races in Indy ...
...
INDIANAPOLIS REHABILITATION HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND LOCAL SPINAL CORD INJURY ASSOCIATIONS VISIT INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY AND ATTEND SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION’S ‘DAY AT RACES’ PROGRAM
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, Sunrise Medical and Andretti-Green Racing gave local spinal cord injured patients the opportunity to experience open wheel racing behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the running of this year’s Indianapolis 500. It was part of the Sam Schmidt Pa » more
| June 19, 2006
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION RAISES OVER $330,000 AT STAR-STUDDED ANNUAL 'RA ...
...
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation announced today that it raised more than $330,000 at its seventh annual “Racing to Recovery” Gala held at Eddie Merlot’s Restaurant here last month. Over 500 people attended the 2006 event.
Monies raised for the Foundation are used to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances. This research also benefits » more
| June 14, 2006
Hulman / George Family Host Guests of SSPF at the 2006 Indy 500 ...
...
HULMAN/GEORGE FAMILY HOSTS 10 GUESTS AT THE 2006 INDY 500
FOR SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION INDY JET PROGRAM
The Hulman/George family played host to 10 special guests of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation’s (SSPF) Indy Jet Program during the running of the 2006 Indianapolis 500. This special group of guests attended the event and watched the race from the family’s Pagoda Suite at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway after donating a total of more than $110,000 to the Foundation.
Don » more
| May 1, 2006
Mears to Receive Legendary Driver Award ...
...
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Proudly Presents the Legendary Driver Award to:
Rick Mears
Rick Mears’ spectacular career began in 1968 in the deserts of Southern California where he raced motorcycles, followed by off-road racing, sportsman stock cars and IndyCar Series. In 1977, Rick met car owner Roger Penske who offered him an Indy car ride and the following year started on the front row of his first Indianapolis 500. He was named Indy 500 co-rookie of the year. This was the beg » more
| December 5, 2005
Tony Stewart, ART Raise Money at Thunderhill ...
For Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation ...
WILLOWS, Calif. - Reigning NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Tony Stewart and Advantage Racing Technologies took advantage of the National Auto Sport Association’s (NASA) annual running of the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, Calif., to raise money for the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.
Advantage Racing Technologies (ART), competed this weekend in the NASA 25 Hours of Thunderhill, securing a fantastic third-place finish out of 60 entries. The ART/ESX/TCD/Just » more
| October 28, 2005
How Racing, And A Wheelchair, Changed A Life ...
International Paralympian Uses Carbon-Fiber Wheels ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 28, 2005
How Racing, And A Wheelchair, Changed A Life
International Paralympian Uses Carbon-Fiber Wheels
KUSAMI, Ghana – Ajara Mohammed is probably the biggest Indy car fan in the country right now.
She will be using a chair in wheelchair competition equipped with custom carbon-fiber wheels, donated via the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. The foundation’s namesake and founder, Sam Schmidt, is a winning car owner in the Menards Infiniti Pro S » more
| October 26, 2005
RACER AND SENATOR - Sam Schmidt, Bill Frist, Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation ...
US Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Sam Schmidt, and Ida Cahill ...
OCTOBER 26, 2005
FOR MEDIA EDITORIAL USE ONLY
NO CHARGE FOR MEDIA EDITORIAL USE
NO ATTRIBUTION REQUIRED
SAM SCHMIDT (center), owner of three teams in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series and of the #70 in the Indy Racing League, with U. S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (left) and Ida Cahill, president of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, following the first of several Senate meetings Tuesday. Schmidt met with a variety of U.S. Senators and staff members in Washington, D.C., to disc » more
| October 20, 2005
Meeting Highly Influential, Then Those With Little ...
Quadriplegic race team owner meets with Senators Tuesday, Kids At Baltimore’s Ke ...
Highly Influential, Then Those With Little
Quadriplegic race team owner meets with Senators Tuesday,
Kids At Baltimore’s Kennedy Kreiger Institute Wednesday
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sam Schmidt’s dream is to some day be able to walk the halls of the U.S. Capitol. . . though he has no plans to run for office.
Next week, he will ride instead – in his motorized wheelchair.
Schmidt, a former winning Indy car driver who is now an owner, has been a quadriplegic since a crash during practic » more
| October 17, 2005
Two New Stem Cell Discoveries Excite Schmidt ...
Quadriplegic race car owner urges Senate, Presidential action ...
HENDERSON, Nev. – For a quadriplegic race car driver looking for a chance to not just walk but to drive again, Sam Schmidt is elated over the latest news regarding new techniques in the use of stem cells in scientific research to repair spinal cord injuries.
The New York Times reported Sunday that researchers have devised two new techniques designed to alleviate ethical concerns in the use of stem cells.
“These discoveries take most of the concerns of those opposed to embryonic stem cell r » more
| October 16, 2005
Schmidt Foundation Helps Paralympian ...
Specialized racing wheelchair unveiled at California ...
FONTANA, Calif. – Sam Schmidt was celebrating his team’s 20th Menards Infiniti Pro Series pole position Saturday when a customized racing wheelchair was rolled out next to the #7 Lucas Oil/Sam Schmidt Motorsports machine during the post-qualifying photo session. The chair is a gift to Ajarah Booytse, a paralympian from Ghana, who will compete in the 2008 Paralympics in China.
The wheelchair originally came to Wheels For the World, a program operated by Joni and Friends, which has distrib » more
| October 13, 2005
AUCTION TO BENEFIT SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION ...
...
For Immediate Release:
AUCTION TO BENEFIT SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION
I wanted you to be among the first to know that the Firestone 10th Anniversary poster signed by all Indy Racing League race winning drivers is now on Ebay.
The auction will close October 17th at 9 pm coinciding with the 2005 Indy Racing League Championship Celebration in Hollywood, CA
All auction proceeds will benefit the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and CARA Charities.
The winning bidder will receiv » more
| October 10, 2005
Day At The Races at California Speedway ...
Foundation Offers Treat to Patients and Families ...
On Saturday, October 15th, Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation along with Andretti Green Racing will host guests from area hospitals and rehabilitation centers for a day of racing action, food and inspiration in the infield at California Speedway. The program, “Day At The Races,” allows Schmidt to share his inspirational story and his exciting motorsports career with spinal cord injury patients and their families.
“There are a lot of people who would love to come to the race t » more
| October 3, 2005
Smaller Charities Feel Brunt Of Katrina, Rita ...
Donations going to Gulf victims causing cutbacks for others ...
SPEEDWAY, Ind. – Ida Cahill has seen this story before.
Just over four years ago donations from the public shifted from their regular charities to those associated with helping victims through charities directly involved with the 9-11 attacks. The former Senior Director of Development for the Christopher Reeve Foundation who is now president of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, Ms. Cahill sees the same thing happening again.
“The American people are very giving and they readily rally t » more
| September 21, 2005
THE MOUSE AND THE RACER ...
Spinal Cord Injured Might Walk with Senate Help ...
Newest scientific discovery raises hopes,
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation urges further funding
HENDERSON, Nev. – A mouse in Palo Alto, Calif., has raised new hopes for a quadriplegic former race car driver and current team owner in the Nevada desert.
Sam Schmidt, a leader among spinal cord injured for scientific research and quality of life funding, said a new experiment with mice at a California research center has brought new encouragement to him and hundreds of thousands of » more
| September 10, 2005
Challenge from Schmidt to Fellow Racers ...
Foundation to Match Donations to Damaged CILs ...
Challenge from Schmidt to Fellow Racers
Foundation to Match Donations to Damaged CILs
NOTE: DONATIONS CAN BE MADE BY VISITING WWW.SAMSCHMIDT.ORG, AND PLEASE REFERENCE "HURRICANE RELIEF" IN THE NOTES SECTION OF PAYPAL.
ALL DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
JOLIET, Ill. - Flooding is an extremely dangerous scenario for fully mobile people and their pets; for people with disabilities, it can often be deadly. Sam Schmidt, owner of Indy Racing League (IRL) race team Sam Schmidt Mot » more
| September 5, 2005
Schmidt Shows Local Spinal Cord Injured ...
How He Races through His Weekend at Chicagoland ...
Sure, no one wakes up in the morning and decides today is the day to become a quadriplegic. There’s no preparation for it and there’s often no end in sight once the condition sets in. Sam Schmidt, owner of Sam Schmidt Motorsports and founder of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, wasn’t prepared, but he’s using the lessons he’s learned on his new voyage to inspire and uplift others that suffer from spinal cord injuries and other paralysis.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, the Sam Schmidt Paral » more
| August 23, 2005
Discovery Could Change Stem Cell Bill Debate ...
U.S. Senate expected to consider bill soon ...
Discovery Could Change Stem Cell Bill Debate
U.S. Senate expected to consider bill soon;
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation works for passage
THE JOURNAL SCIENCE WILL REPORT THIS WEEK THAT A HARVARD RESEARCH TEAM HAS TURNED ORDINARY SKIN CELLS INTO WHAT APPEAR TO BE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS. THE TECHNIQUE USES LABORATORY-GROWN HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS TO “REPROGRM” THE GENES IN SKINS CELLS, RETURNING THEM INTO EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS.
WITH THE U.S. SENATE EXPECTED TO TAKE UP A BILL TO AL » more
| August 15, 2005
Colorado Day At The Races Has Personal Meaning ...
Schmidt Hosts Guests from Craig Hospital ...
Colorado Day At The Races Has Personal Meaning
Schmidt Hosts Guests from Craig Hospital
SPARTA, Ky. - The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF), Sunrise Medical and Andretti Green Racing will give local spinal cord injury patients the opportunity to experience open wheel racing behind the scenes at Pikes Peak International Raceway, as well as hearing encouraging words from Sam Schmidt, race team owner and SSPF founder, a quadriplegic since a race car driving accident in 2000, who work » more
| August 12, 2005
LIFELOCK TO SUPPORT THE SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION ...
Portion of membership to be donated to help overcome spinal cord injuries ...
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mike Prusinski, LIFELOCK VP, Communications
480-544-2222
[email protected]
LIFELOCK TO SUPPORT THE SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION
Portion of membership to be donated to help overcome spinal cord injuries
(Scottsdale, AZ, Aug. 12, 2005) - LIFELOCK, the world’s only preventative ID Theft measure, has announced a special partnership with the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation that will raise funds to help individuals overcome spinal cord inj » more
| August 10, 2005
Frist Support Big For Stem Cell Research Bill ...
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Helping lead charge for Senate passage ...
Frist Support Big For Stem Cell Research Bill
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
Helping lead charge for Senate passage
THE SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION IS ONE OF THE MAJOR FORCES PROMOTING PASSAGE OF THE BILL CURRENTLY IN THE U.S. SENATE THAT WOULD INCREASE FEDERAL FUNDING OF STEM CELL RESEARCH. THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO COME UP WHEN THE SENATE ENDS ITS SUMMER RECESS. THE BILL EXTENDS FUNDING TO RESEARCH ON EMBRYONIC STEM CELL LINES THAT WERE NOT IN EXISTENCE IN 2001, WHEN AN EXEC » more
| August 8, 2005
Schmidt Set for Biggest Day At The Races of the Year ...
Large turnout expected at Kentucky Speedway ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 8, 2005
Schmidt Set for Biggest Day At The Races of the Year
Large turnout expected at Kentucky Speedway
SPARTA, Ky. - It’s a stubborn habit he picked up from his father - his relentless conviction to tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that. Sam Schmidt, a quadriplegic since 2000, takes his new role in stride and uses his personal willpower to help other paralysis victims realize their potential in their new situations.
Through the Sam Schmid » more
| August 1, 2005
The Lucky and the Brave ...
SpeedTV.com commentary by Jeff Olson ...
For photos and original commentary from SpeedTV.com, please cut and paste the following link to your browser:
http://www.speedtv.com/commentary/18534/
Sam Schmidt considers himself lucky. For those of us who can stand up and walk across the room, his gratitude is often difficult to comprehend.
But he’s right. He’s lucky because he has a caring family. He’s lucky to have his faith. He’s lucky because he has decent health insurance. He’s lucky because he has a degree » more
| August 1, 2005
YOUR CHANCE TO OWN FIRESTONE RACING HISTORY ...
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INDYCAR SERIES MAGAZINE
PRESS RELEASE -- July 30th, 2005
YOUR CHANCE TO OWN FIRESTONE RACING HISTORY
Firestone Racing and IndyCar Series Magazine are proud to offer IndyCar Series fans the chance to own a unique print of Firestone’s 10 Year anniversary commemorative poster – signed by all the winning drivers.
A collector’s dream, this poster is one of 25 from a limited edition run signed and numbered by artist Paul Laguette.
But making this one special is that, over the next » more
| July 11, 2005
Quadriplegic Indy Car Owner Urges Senate, President ...
Sam Schmidt encourages positive vote, Presidential signature on stem cell resear ...
July 11, 2005
Quadriplegic Indy Car Owner Urges Senate, President
Sam Schmidt encourages positive vote,
Presidential signature on stem cell research bill
THE U.S. SENATE IS EXPECTED TO TAKE UP A BILL EXPANDING PUBLIC FUNDING FOR EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, A BILL PASSED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. THE BILL EXTENDS FUNDING TO RESEARCH ON EMBRYONIC STEM CELL LINES THAT WERE NOT IN EXISTENCE IN 2001, WHEN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER LIMITING » more
| June 10, 2005
Schmidt, Andretti-Green Host Spinal Cord Injured ...
Texas ‘Day At Races’ Guests Experienced Pole-Winning Day ...
JUNE 10, 2005
Schmidt, Andretti-Green Host Spinal Cord Injured
Texas ‘Day At Races’ Guests Experienced Pole-Winning Day
FORT WORTH, Tex. – Some 35 people with spinal cord injuries experienced motorsports and hope Friday at Texas Motor Raceway, site of this weekend’s Indy Racing League events.
Sam Schmidt, a quadriplegic car owner in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series, hosted Dallas/Ft. Worth-area patients at the speedway. The group from local TX organizations – Easter Seals of Greater D » more
| June 3, 2005
Schmidt to Host Injured Texans at Texas Motor Speedway ...
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June 3, 2005
Schmidt to Host Injured Texans at Texas Motor Speedway
An original test market for program is special stop,
Day At The Races Progam will be held Friday, June 10th
FORT WORTH, Tex. − It’s a stubborn habit he picked up from his father - his relentless conviction to tomorrow . . . and the next day, and the day after that. Sam Schmidt, a quadriplegic since an accident while practicing his Indy car in 2000, takes his new role in stride and uses his personal willpower to » more
| May 30, 2005
CNN Transcript: Stem Cell Research Debate; Light Tornado Season ...
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Stem Cell Research Debate
Aired May 24, 2005 - 13:31 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: As the debate continues in the House of Representatives, the president will enter this discussion in just about 40 minutes' time. We expect to hear from him, East Room of the White House. There he is, having just arrived back from his Social Security talk in New York, at Andrews Air Force Base. The president doesn't » more
| May 27, 2005
Passion for Racing Keeps Schmidt Going ...
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Passion for Racing Keeps Schmidt Going
By Gary Graves, USA TODAY
INDIANAPOLIS — Good days and bad days are relative to Sam Schmidt because both still require two hours to get dressed.
More impressive is what the quadriplegic IRL team owner accomplishes by day's end. Schmidt gets in a couple of hours of exercise before heading to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he'll spend hours tooling around the garage and pits in his motorized wheelchair, yakking it up with drivers and fellow ow » more
| May 27, 2005
Ex-Driver's Paralysis Blocks One Path and Opens Others ...
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May 28, 2005
Ex-Driver's Paralysis Blocks One Path and Opens Others
By DAVE CALDWELL
INDIANAPOLIS, May 27 - Sam Schmidt, who uses a pokey black wheelchair, moves much slower than he used to move - or would like to move, anyway. It takes him two and a half hours to get ready for a busy day. But he gets ready and stays in motion.
The 40-year-old Schmidt was an Indy-car driver until he was paralyzed five years ago in a crash while testing a racecar on a track in Orlando, Fla. He has » more
| May 25, 2005
Quadriplegic Indy Car Owner Urges Senate, President ...
Sam Schmidt encourages positive vote, Presidential signature on stem cell resear ...
THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENATIVES PASSED A BILL TUESDAY EXPANDING PUBLIC FUNDING FOR EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH. THE BILL NOW MOVES TO THE SENATE AND, IF IT PASSES THERE, TO PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH FOR HIS SIGNATURE. THE BILL EXTENDS FUNDING TO RESEARCH ON EMBRYONIC STEM CELL LINES THAT WERE NOT IN EXISTENCE IN 2001, WHEN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER LIMITING SUCH RESEARCH WAS ISSUED.
SAM SCHMIDT OF LAS VEGAS, NEV., IS FOUNDER OF THE SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION (www.samschmidt.org), WHICH HAS » more
| May 25, 2005
Quadriplegic Indy Car Owner Urges Senate, President ...
Sam Schmidt encourages positive vote, Presidential signature on stem cell resear ...
Quadriplegic Indy Car Owner Urges Senate, President
Sam Schmidt encourages positive vote,
Presidential signature on stem cell research bill
March 25, 2005
THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENATIVES PASSED A BILL TUESDAY EXPANDING PUBLIC FUNDING FOR EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH. THE BILL NOW MOVES TO THE SENATE AND, IF IT PASSES THERE, TO PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH FOR HIS SIGNATURE. THE BILL EXTENDS FUNDING TO RESEARCH ON EMBRYONIC STEM CELL LINES THAT WERE NOT IN EXISTENCE IN 2001, WHEN AN EXECUTIV » more
| May 20, 2005
Hearn is fastest Chevy ...
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INDIANAPOLIS -- Richie Hearn, who filled in Thursday's rain-out by seeing the new "Star Wars" movie -- and gave it a very favorable review especially for its special effects -- continued his Indianapolis 500 race preparation Friday by turning 81 laps in the Meijer/Coca-Cola Panoz-Chevrolet. His best lap was 224.480 mph in the Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry.
"We made some good progress today," said Hearn, who finished third here in 1996 and sixth in 2002. "I got to run in traffic quite » more
| May 20, 2005
Indy ‘Day At The Races’ Encourages Locals to Visit IMS ...
Schmidt, Andretti-Green Host Spinal Cord Injured ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 20, 2005
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Nearly 60 people with spinal cord injuries experienced hope and motorsports Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, site of the most prestigious IndyCar event, the Indianapolis 500.
Sam Schmidt, a quadriplegic car owner in the Menards Infiniti Pro Series who is also running the Meijer/Coca-Cola entry in the Indianapolis 500, hosted Indianapolis-area patients at the speedway. The group from two organizations – Rehabilitation Hospit » more
| May 20, 2005
DELPHI WINS 39TH BORGWARNER LOUIS SCHWITZER AWARD FOR EARPIECE ...
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For Immediate Release
DELPHI WINS 39TH BORGWARNER LOUIS SCHWITZER AWARD FOR EARPIECE
INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, May 20, 2005 – Delphi received the 39th annual BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award on May 20 for the Delphi Earpiece Sensor System.
Delphi engineers Erskine Carter, Glen Gray, Andy Inman, Tim Kronenberg and Bruce Natvig accepted the award during a presentation at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I just want to thank the Schwitzer Award committee for choosing us this year,”
said G » more
| May 17, 2005
Benefit Fundraiser Reaches New Heights ...
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Benefit Fundraiser Reaches New Heights
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation’s
Racing To Recovery Gala Raises Nearly Quarter Million
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - A race fan’s fantasy ball might well have helped make dreams come true for hundreds of thousands of spinal cord injured throughout the world.
The sixth annual Racing To Recovery Gala raised over $232,000 Monday night at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant. Nearly 500 people joined names like Michael Andretti, Sam Hornish, Jr. and Helio Castroneve » more
| May 12, 2005
The hardest part might be getting up in the morning ...
Schmidt’s routine of two hours inspires others ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 12, 2005
The hardest part might be getting up in the morning
Schmidt’s routine of two hours inspires others;
Day At Races program set Friday, May 20, at Indy
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. − For Sam Schmidt, he had to find a reason to get out of bed in the mornings . . . and, mainly, to spend the two hours it takes a quadriplegic to go from slumber to dressed and ready.
Inspiring others with those reasons is behind the “Day At The Races” program, Frid » more
| May 10, 2005
Some Tickets Remain For May 16 Benefit Gala ...
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Some Tickets Remain For May 16 Benefit Gala
Racing To Recovery Set In Indianapolis,
Sam Schmidt Foundation Among Beneficiaries
INDIANAPOLIS – A limited number of tickets to the sixth annual Racing To Recovery Gala and Eddie Merlot’s restaurant, 3645 East 96th Street in Indianapolis remain available for fans and participants. The gala is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and continue through 10 p.m. on Monday, May 16.
The gala hosted by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway benefits the Sam Sc » more
| May 9, 2005
SAM SCHMIDT INSPIRES WITH HIS ATTITUDE ...
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SAM SCHMIDT INSPIRES WITH HIS ATTITUDE
Ben Smith - Posted on Mon, May. 09, 2005
Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette
INDIANAPOLIS – The guy you root for this month of May has more seat time than any of them now, more than A.J. or Vukie, more than Rocket Rick Mears, more than Mario or the Unsers or any of the white-line ghosts who stroll here in this ancient warehouse of haunts they call the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
He’s the guy you see now, sitting as always, grinning out of the » more
| April 26, 2005
Tickets Available To Fans For Annual Indy Benefit ...
Sam Schmidt Foundation Among Beneficiaries ...
Tickets Available To Fans For Annual Indy Benefit
Racing To Recovery Gala Set May 16th In 500 City;
Sam Schmidt Foundation Among Beneficiaries
INDIANAPOLIS – Motorsports fans can rub elbows - and auction paddles - with some of the biggest names in open-wheel racing Monday evening, May 16, in the sixth annual Racing To Recovery Gala at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant, 3645 East 96th Street in Indianapolis. A limited number of tickets are now available through the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundat » more
| April 2, 2005
Schmidt now driven as Pro Series owner ...
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Schmidt now driven as Pro Series owner
By GODWIN KELLY
MOTORSPORTS EDITOR / Last update: April 02, 2005
DAYTONA BEACH -- Sam Schmidt offers an amazing story of fortitude and resilience which personifies a true racer.
Paralyzed from the waist down after crashing hard in practice at Walt Disney World Speedway in 2000, Schmidt refused to give up his racing dream and started his own Indy Racing League team.
"I'd obviously rather be a paid driver, but this is the second-best thing," » more
| April 1, 2005
Schmidt not letting paralysis get in way of his racing team ...
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April 1, 2005
Schmidt not letting paralysis get in way of his racing team
BY MARK DECOTIS
FLORIDA TODAY
Sam Schmidt is many things -- a husband, a father, a racer, a businessman and a quadriplegic -- but even more impressive is the strength of his spirit, his conviction and his competitiveness.
That Schmidt, 40, is confined to a wheelchair as a result of injuries suffered in an accident at the Disney World Speedway in 2000, has changed everything. But in the end, Sam Schmidt is st » more
| March 14, 2005
Schmidt Showing Hope Through Motorsports ...
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Schmidt Showing Hope Through Motorsports
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Spearheads
A ‘Day At The Races’ For Phoenix-Area Spinal Cord Injured
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Offering a behind the scenes look at the Menards Infiniti Pro Series and the Indy Racing League, three Phoenix-area organizations will bring patients to Phoenix International Speedway Friday for a “Day At The Races” program, headed by the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) and Sam Schmidt Motorsports.
Approximately 75 pe » more
| March 8, 2005
Keco and Sam Schmidt Motorsports Announce Continued Partnership ...
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Keco and Sam Schmidt Motorsports Announce Continued Partnership
INDIANAPOLIS, IN., March 7, 2005 – Keco has announced a partnership with Sam Schmidt Motorsports and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, and will be an associate sponsor for the “Product in Kind” program for the 2005 season.
“We are so excited to be in this relationship with Keco Coatings and are proud to carry the ‘Racing for Corey‘ name on this year’s entries,” said Schmidt. “The company is known worldwide for the late » more
| February 18, 2005
Successful Week For Sam Schmidt, Paralysis Foundation ...
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Successful Week For Sam Schmidt, Paralysis Foundation
Quadriplegic car owner meets Kennedy staff
In conjunction with stem cell research bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sam Schmidt couldn’t help but smile when Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) made his statement in support of a bill authorizing federal expenditures for stem cell research earlier this week. It is an area close to his heart.
Schmidt and Ida Cahill, who is president of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, met with congressional le » more
| February 11, 2005
Mr. Schmidt Goes To Washington ...
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Mr. Schmidt Goes To Washington
Where racers rarely tread, Schmidt Paralysis Foundation
Joins meet with Senators, Congressmen
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Racers aren’t usually found moving through the halls of Congress but Sam Schmidt, owner of a three-car Menard’s Infiniti Pro Series team and winner of the 2004 championship, will be doing just that next week.
Schmidt and Ida Cahill will meet with congressional leaders to discuss paralysis rehabilitation issues that are facing Congress in the » more
| October 11, 2004
STATEMENT FROM SAM SCHMIDT ON THE DEATH ON CHRISTOPHER REEVE ...
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STATEMENT FROM SAM SCHMIDT, CHAIRMAN OF THE SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION, ON THE DEATH ON CHRISTOPER REEVE:
(Indianapolis, IN) - “It’s truly a sad and heartrending day, especially for those who suffer from paralysis. Christopher Reeve put a face on spinal cord injuries and represented all of us with paralysis on an international level. He vigorously challenged and supported researchers to find cures and treatments through the Christopher Reeve Foundation.
“Everyone at the Sam Schmi » more
| June 13, 2004
An Evening Among Racing’s Elite ...
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 15, 2005
An Evening Among Racing’s Elite
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation’s ‘Racing to Recovery’ Gala
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – A racing fan’s fantasy ball – the sixth annual “Racing To Recovery” Gala, Monday night, May 16 - will host some of the biggest names in Indianapolis 500 motorsports. Some tickets still remain for the gala at Eddie Merlot’s restaurant, 3645 East 96th Street.
“It’s really become a fun annual event,” said Sam Schmidt of the largest » more
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