¦ April 15, 2008
"Day at the Races"
SSPF Continues This Popular Program in 2008

In 2008, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is pleased to continue its tradition of hosting several “Day at the Races” events at racetracks around the country, including Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois. See complete schedule of dates in the Events section of this website.

At the various racetrack locations, SSPF collaborates with local rehabilitation centers and organizations for the disabled, including VA hospitals and veterans associations, inviting patients and members to attend a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the garage and pit areas, enjoy an opportunity to meet the drivers, and passes to view qualifications and actual races. Also included is a catered lunch with guest speakers and celebrity appearances. The speakers address many areas of concern such as transition from inpatient rehabilitation to the home, insurance problems, homecare, family and transportation. Great emphasis is placed on employment opportunities, offering ideas for exploration towards a more promising future and inspirational success stories. 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 remembrance of the day, participants also receive racing memorabilia, products from participating sponsors, and contact information for attendees to develop new friendships, support and peer mentoring. In many instances the program offers an initial opportunity for patients to leave the rehabilitation hospital and enjoy the first of hopefully many days of activity with their families.

While ultimately a fun event for all, the “Day at the Races” is actually a structured program which is 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, as well as the opportunity to interact with people both with and without disabilities, instills confidence and self-assurance. They realize they are able to successfully 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 newly injured people and those previously injured. They recount their stories and provide inspiration and real life examples on how not to 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 from a book or in an hospital setting.
- Resource materials are available on spinal cord injury research, adaptive technologies, sports programs, job training, the importance of maintaining healthy lives through exercise and physical therapy, and other critical information is provided.

It’s an exhilarating day and one that is long remembered for its messages 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 person previously injured becomes re-energized by receiving current information and feels a sense of community and self-worth, as they extend support and guidance to those newly injured. Equally important, the program is extremely beneficial to the attending family members who survived the initial trauma of their loved one sustaining an injury and are learning 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 and provides essential information as well as the opportunity to get to know others who will lend assistance and hope for the future.

For more information about participating in the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation’s “Day at the Races” program, either as a valued guest or as a valued sponsor, contact Ida Cahill at 313-236-9999 or email [email protected].