¦ 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 practice at the Walt Disney World Speedway, my life changed dramatically. The injuries I sustained left me paralyzed from the neck down.

Shortly after the accident, I quickly learned that I was luckier than most. My deep, unshakable faith in God, a loving wife, two very small children, a strong family network, an undying love of motorsports, and most importantly a passion for living, sustained me. I felt it was important to help others who weren’t quite as lucky. With a few, close friends, I established the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF).

The SSPF is dedicated to helping those afflicted with spinal cord injuries as well as promoting the funding of promising research in support of the cure and treatment of spinal cord injuries. I know, first hand, that embryonic stem cell research offers great promise in the treatment – and ultimate cure – of spinal cord injuries and possibly many other devastating, disabling diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, to name a few.

God’s plan was not for us to suffer needlessly, but to use His gifts to sustain life. I don’t understand why we are questioning our ability to save lives, or, at the very least, improve the quality of life and give a ray of hope to millions. Mr. President, I strongly urge you to sign the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 810).”

Go to www.samschmidt.org for additional information on the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.