News:

2-11-2005
Mr. Schmidt Goes To Washington

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 new session. Schmidt, a former driver who was paralyzed with a spinal cord injury following a crash, is the founder of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, of which Ms. Cahill is President.

“There are issues coming before Congress which are vitally important to those with spinal cord injuries,” Schmidt said. “We lost a powerful spokesman last year with the tragic death of Christopher Reeve but the movement to find help hasn’t had time to slow down. We need to pick up the torch and move forward.”

Schmidt and Ms. Cahill are meeting with Sen. Harry Reid (Dem.), the Senate Minority Leader, and John Ensign (Rep.), the two Senators from Schmidt’s home state of Nevada. They will also meet with U.S. Congressman Jim Gibbons, (Rep.), as well as other Senators, Congressmen and staff. The meetings are part of an effort coordinated by he National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART).

“There is a need for a carve-out for high-end rehab and assistive technology products from national competitive bidding, as well as increased national and local funding,” Schmidt said. “We want to lay these issues in front of Congress, and let them see the progress that has already been made, as well as the potential for great progress as we move forward.

“With their help, as well as the help of doctors and scientists throughout the world, we can find a way to help those with spinal cord injuries. That is what the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation has been based on, and we’re going to work every day to do our part,” he said.

Schmidt’s personal story is a compelling one that shows tremendous hope. After crashing during an Indy car test in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 6, 2000, Schmidt spent six weeks on a respirator and was diagnosed a quadriplegic as the result of a severe injury to his spinal cord at the C-3/C-4 levels. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation was set up soon thereafter, at Schmidt’s request and direction, to assist other people suffering from spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding medical research and quality of life programs.

In 2001, just 14 months after his devastating accident, Schmidt shocked the racing community. He announced the formation of Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and named Las Vegas neighbor, and friend Davey Hamilton as his driver. Schmidt was back doing what he loves most - racing.

Today, Schmidt remains paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors have not ruled out a partial or complete recovery, but it could take years. Schmidt and his team of physical therapists continue an aggressive schedule of four to six hours of daily therapy. His therapy regimen includes: muscular range of motion exercises, weight-supported walking on a treadmill, several hours of Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES), swimming pool therapy and riding a Stimaster stationary bike that is operated by Schmidt through electronic stimulation.

The mission of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technology advances. The Foundation also raises funds to improve quality of life issues and ensure the best possible outcomes by touching individual lives. For further information, contact SSPF, P. O. Box 24355, Speedway, IN 46224-0355, or telephone (317) 236-9999.