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• TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

SSPF St. Petersburg event offers hope and inspiration to a Florida family...

"Thank you, SSPF! Sam Schmidt, Ida Cahill, and the rest of the group went above and beyond to show us a good time at the Honda Grand Prix 5K Run, Walk ‘N Wheelathon in St. Petersburg. After attending the event, our son Austin now sees he can race, even if he’s in a wheelchair.  Sam introduced us to Michael, who also relies on a wheelchair for mobility. Michael and Austin talked, and Michael was nice enough to show Austin how the controls in his car work. We knew it clicked with Austin when he said, “I can do this.” That helps tremendously. Thanks to the chain of events started by Sam and Ida.

    Ida also chatted with us about disaster preparedness. We have always lived in a hurricane zone, so we thought we knew what to expect and what we needed. Until now, that is. Ida told us about some simple things people need just to live (such as a ventilator) and we knew right away no one is really ready. If you or a loved one is disabled, then you need to make disaster preparedness a priority right now, before something happens!  Not being prepared would be like pulling your drowning child from a pool and not knowing how to revive them. All it takes is a two-hour training course. Thanks to Ida, we will be making disaster preparedness a priority in our home!"

Sincerely,

The Happy Hoppers

RaceAustinHome.com 

The Foundation’s Day at the Races program continues to grow in popularity. SSPF is very grateful to Andretti Green Racing, who supports the program by providing their hospitality tent and a wonderful lunch for our guests.

IndyCar mascot Firehawk, courtesy of Bridgestone Firestone, is a favorite visitor. Guests have the opportunity to ask Sam any question and to speak openly and frankly about their treatments, life challenges and other topics of importance. Everyone is encouraged to share their life experiences with one another, solving problems along the way.

Thanks to the drivers who stop to chat with the guests, signing autographs and having photos taken.

TESTIMONIALS FROM DAY AT THE RACES

Here are some recent examples. 

"Thanks SO much Cindy!! I LOVE racing cars and had a new 3 series BMW when a 100 foot tree fell on it/me as I was driving past it in a summer storm.  I had just gotten it, with a standard shift (to wind out the gears of course) and was saving money to attend their racing school/track in North Carolina.  So now you know how much I LOVED being there.  The Grand Prix was a TRUE dream for me and one of the very few occasions it helped being in a wheelchair so I could accept your wonderful invitation!"  Paula S.

 "Thank you so much for everything this weekend.  It really was an incredible experience.  SSPF and Andretti Autosport provided a first class experience for us all.  If there is anything I can do in the future to help promote SSPF please let me know, it would be my pleasure.  Hope the rest of your events go equally well." Jeff H.

"Just got back from an OUTSTANDING full day at the Grand Prix!!  Cindy and Jody did a WONDERFUL job working out the "first event day" kinks and the group appeared to truly enjoy themselves.  Larry and I went places today we've never seen or experienced.  We went everywhere and participated in everything I've ever wanted to do; with the exception of getting to actually drive one of the cars.  Actually, the A.J. Foyt team took the steering wheel off their car and had me hold it for a picture; with a comment "Don't drop it because it costs $20,000". :-)  The day wouldn't have been possible without the thoughtful and time consuming preparation of both of you.  Thank you for an experience we will never forget!!"  Paula & Larry"

"Want to thank Sam Schmidt and the Sam Schmidt Foundation as well as Michael Andretti and Andretti Autosport for one incredible experience for all of us at this year’s Baltimore Grand Prix. These two gentlemen over the years have gone above and beyond for hundreds and thousands of disabled individuals." Patrick R. 

"Thanks again to all for creating such an exciting and pleasurable day at the races. My friend and I stayed most of the afternoon until 'my engine ran out of fuel'. We found a nice lady operating a wheel chair lift hidden behind a fence at the grand stand in front of the chicanes. She was very kind, she lifted me up straight away and pointed us directly to an area designate for wheel chairs, the view was awesome. Lunch was a blessing and we enjoyed it along with the behind the scenes tour of the Indy cars. All the best to everyone that made this day possible."  David S. 

- "Words can't express what a nice getaway the Indy cars were last Saturday.  (We had a medically stressful week)... so the Indy cars were such a fantastic break for Sean to be a kid again and enjoy the races.  Sean is mechanically inclined so he really was fascinated by visiting the pit area, seeing the cars up close and watching the pit crew in action.  He also enjoyed Tom's description of his trucks that transport the race cars and all of their parts.  He left the races truly happy and inspired not to let his disability define who he is.  Thank you so much - the Day at the Races really meant so much more!"  Sean and Kris K.

- "Thank you so much for the great Day at the Races at Indy Grand Prix at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma!  It was so much fun to watch the Indy cars race around the track.  It was absolutely incredible!  The lunch with the Andretti race team was awesome too!  Thank you so much to you guys and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation for everything!" Sean K.

- "Thank you so much for the great Day at the Races at Indy Grand Prix at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma!  It was so much fun to watch the Indy cars race around the track.  It was absolutely incredible!  The lunch with the Andretti race team was awesome too!  Thank you so much to you guys and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation for everything!" Sean K.

- "What an amazing day and the kids in my program (and my own) had a BLAST!  I honestly cannot thank you enough and this was a day that these kids will never forget.  There were several moments today that were priceless, but there was one thing that happened that I really wanted to share with you.  It was as we were loading the bus to get the kids home.  The gentleman from the National Guard racing car team had been talking to my family.  He asked if we were going to bring the kids back to the race tomorrow.  It was that moment that I realized that of all the kids I brought today, none of them would have been able to have that experience if not for the generosity of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.  Your efforts made it possible for these kids to experience something special.  Please pass on my appreciation to Sam and the rest of the folks from SSPF, and to the Andretti family and pit crews, for taking such great care of the kids today."  Trooper.

- "They all had the best time ever!  That made it 100 times for fun for Kate and I.  I can't thank you enough for the powerful work you do bringing light into our sometimes too dark world.  Please send a special thanks to Sam and Martin Plowman (The Big One Seven!) who was so sweet with the kids, they loved him." Dan M. 

- "... thank you for all of the fun my cousin, Tom and I had at the Kentucky Speedway.  I got an autographed photo of the Indy-Lights racer, Pippa Mann, which has a place of honor on my awards shelf.  Please give Sam my absolute best, as he is a true hero, and inspiration to anyone he comes into contact with.  My disability is so minor, compared to that of so many people.  I firmly believe that my life was spared, so that I could hopefully inspire others to overcome their pitfalls that life throws at them.  I hope I am doing a good job in this respect, but seeing Sam makes my problems so minor, I am humbled.  God Bless you, your foundation, and Sam Schmidt.  Sincerely,  M. S. V. Cpl. USMC  (ret)"

- "I don't see myself as an individual with a disability. I just see myself as a person that can't walk very well... I had so much fun when I got invited to the track last summer. I have never seen so many people with disabilities smile so much. It was truly a highlight of my year.  I have been keeping up with the team stats via the web. I can't believe they have done so well. Awesome Job!!!! I have been converted to and Indy car fan ever since my trip to the KY Speedway. Tell everyone on the team CONGRATULATIONS...from us.....K. Combs"

- "Cindy contacted me through Linkedin to invite me to A Day at the Races at Homstead Motor Speedway. I was with a group of about twenty disabled persons from the area invited to to experience a day of Indy
Car practice. I am a triple amputee. We met and heard Sam Schmidt's inspirational story of crashing his race car, becoming a quadriplegic but going on to manage a successful racing team. Cindy did a
tremendous job of organizing and managing this complex event. Getting twenty of us plus our guests into the infield through tight security was a marvel. From there it was an exciting dream come true...eating
in the Andretti Team dining tent, meeting drivers. then viewing the rows of moter homes, transporters, garages and finally right down to the pits. Because of Cindy's organization everythig went off without a
hitch. A great day with incredible access thanks to Cindy Norton." Ted B., Engineer Supervisor US Coast Guard.

"Thanks again for a very nice day in Miami, & please pass on extra thanks to the Andretti Hospitality team and the Firehawk guy, as they really put on a nice lunch & 1st class treatment with the entire teamwork together, and all of the sponsors involved. The Firehawk mascot really knows how to work the room and give people a good photo op. He must've been burning up in that suit and headgear, but I'm sure he's getting used to it by now. Along with the SSPF team and Sam's Professional young drivers, you guys really know how to put together a impressive and very fun event for people that would most likely never get the opportunity to enjoy such treatment, and/or hardly ever get such top quality attention. I was very happy to hear the great results on Saturday and wish I could have had help returning to watch the race. I know I would have really had a good time watching the race live, but I'm very thankful for your e-mail and links below which helped me see the results along with the commentary from J.K Vernay, along with good footage of the race. Please give them a personal Congratulations, and a high five tothe guys along with a good hug to Pippa Mann.  I really can appreciate how much work goes in to all that you guys do every time you host the guests, not to mention your regular hard working schedule.I used to be pretty involved with fundraising for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, and I know how many hours it takes to be successful at what you do. You're a very special person to do what you do, and I know I can speak for most of our group even though I'm not really close with most of them, I know they are very grateful for the day you gave us and it won't be forgotten. Thanks again to Everyone, & I hope to see you all again. God Bless You All." Mark A.

- "Cindy, The SSPF Race Day event at Sparta (KY) was fantastic. I loved being able to be back in the garage (pit) area with the cars, the drivers, and the great tool-box trucks. What a treat to meet Pippa Mann!!  It was great she could take time out to meet and talk to us. Lunch at Andretti's "kitchen" was -  Wow!!!  Food was great, shady and folks were all very compatible and friendly. My thanks to Andrettti for
sponsoring the lunch. I enjoyed the race in the evening. I was glad the sun went down. Seeing the Indy car practice laps was fantastic. Micheal and I ended up sitting on level 2 in the grandstand right at the "Start/Finish" Line. How cool was that!!!  Thanks again to the Foundation and for allowing the invited participant to bring along a guest."  Don E.

 - "Hey All, I just wanted to say a BIG Thank You to all the folks at the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation for allowing me to witness the behind the scenes activities at the KY Speedway this weekend.  I had the time of my life.... Please keep up the good work because little things like this do make a huge difference.  Please extend my gratification to Kody for being such a good tour guide. Thanks again." Kelvin.

- "Thank you once again for the day at the races.  Jean and I had a grand time.  Everyone was so hospitable and tried to make you more than welcomed. Carlos who was at the garage I would have loved to have spent more time with to pick his brain.  I think I shocked him with the technical question I asked. However I do know what is like getting ready for a race and your time is very limited.  The Andretti camp welcomed you like you were a king. What a lunch!  Jean asked what I thought we would have at lunch and I said probably Chicago style hot dogs, wrong.  We did stay for the Indy car race under the lights and we were very impressed.  On the Indy car lights race I'll I can say is what a finish. The next time you talk to Sam thank him from the both of us for the invitation." Alex M.

- "Hey Cindy yesterday was a blast I had fun. I wanted to say thanks to everyone that help put this event on, and special thanks to you and Sam for giving me this opportunity to meet other guys that are in the same situation that I am in. if you are doing any more events I would love do join you guys again." JamesJ.

- "As a disabled father I know my sons miss out on a lot. Money is always an issue and with my healthcare eroding to the point where I've been trying to find a surgeon for my arm to take my insurance for 6 months, with no takers. A day like yesterday means everything to us. Sam, Cindy and his foundation gave us a day we will always remember and made our whole summer. Thanks for everything. (And thank the Andretti's for the great lunch !!)"  Dan, Kate, Nick and Tom

- "Thank you very much! You have made one of my dreams come true so again thank you and I hope that we will have more events that I can attend and become more involved with Sam's foundation. Take care." Anthony L.

- "Kody: know you have already been thanked by Joey (and Hogan if he could type) and probably many of the other participants. But I still have to add my 2 cents.  Thanks so VERY much for your time while you hosted the Indy 500 "Day at the Races". Joey, Hogan, Connie and I had a fantastic day. Please encourage Sam and his foundation to continue inviting patients and families to participate in this "behind the scenes" event. It was an absolute "blast".  THANKS AGAIN - VERY MUCH." David T.

- "Hello Ida, Cindy and Tom. My name is (Randy K.) and I hope this is a name that the Foundation will remember well into the future. You three are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met, and it was truly delightful to share in the experience that the Sam Schmidt Foundation made possible for those with a disability along with friends and family. The character, poise and personalities that I feel you all poses are second to none - you really have elevated your perspective as to what should be considered most important in one's life.  I have been fairly fortunate throughout my journey, especially the last 23 years as a C-5 Complete Quad., with countless found memories.  Spending time with the Group you people put together on Friday the 16th of July 2010 in and around the track area at the Honda Indy Toronto made such a positive impression on/in me that I will be forever grateful for your seemingly tireless effort. The Andretti Autosport,the Sam Schmidt Foundation, the Shoot for a Cure and the entire Indy Racing sorority come together as one thoughtful and caring entity.  It makes me proud to call myself a true Motorsport Enthusiast. Maybe we'll get the opportunity to share in more life inspiring occasions down the way.  Thank you kindly good folk and keep up the awesome work."  Sincerely, Randy K.

- "Thank you Cindy for Friday.  We all had a great time and appreciate your invitation very much....Hope to see you next year!" Paul K.

- "Hello, Cindy.  I talked to many of the Veterans and staff that attended the Day at the Races and they all had a wonderful time. Thanks so much to you and the SSPF for what you do for Veterans. Thanks again and take care." Jeff G.

- "I just have to say thank u all for what u have done it was so nice to meet u all and see it all go on hope to see u all next year and good luck the rest of the year." Jasper E. 

- "Thank you muchly for having my family and me at this year's Day at the Races.  It was a great experience, and despite having been to the track before, this visit was especially exciting.  I enjoyed meeting the drivers, as well as having lunch in the private tent!" Emily M. (Ms. Wheelchair 2009)

- "I'm glad that I got the experience of Indianapolis speedway with the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, it is a really cool place!  Thanks again for Andretti Autosport for putting on a delicious lunch."  John M.

- "We just wanted to thank Sam and the Foundation for a wonderful day and lunch at the track last week.  Our family had a great time, and we wanted you to know how much we appreciated the opportunity to join you all.  Thanks for your generosity." Mike, Kathy, Jacob, Hannah & (service dog) Barkley.

- "I want to write and thank you for the wonderful day that we enjoyed yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is not often that our 21 year old son enjoys something that his parents want to attend. Being that we can't travel without his help greatly limits what my husband is able to do so yesterday was a fabulous opportunity for our family. I just wanted to thank you again for all your help and work that you did in making this a special day for families with handicapped members."  Marianne B.

- "Just a note of thanks for such a wonderful day. The backpack with goodies was such fun and I think Jamie really enjoyed herself." Jaclyn S. 

- "I had a great time at the races as usual.  Thanks to you and Sam (and everyone else who helped make it happen) for putting on this event."  Roger C.

- “Just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you very much for the opportunity you gave my daughter Mary at Chicagoland. I have not seen her smile so much as I did that day. She did get to meet Marco Andretti and that was the ultimate highlight of her day! As a matter of fact Marco’s mom Sandy came over to Mary, took Marco’s picture and had him sign it for her… Again, so many thanks for what you did. I don’t think I will ever be able to express all of my gratitude.” (From Michelle)

“Lunch with Sam Schmidt was another unique and inspirational opportunity that truly emphasized the fact that people with spinal cord injuries can be successful, respected and happy in their lives while pursuing their interests, hobbies and passions. Sam and his foundation should be commended for the efforts taken to address spinal cord injuries, but more than that, they should be commended for setting the bar high as a prime example of the much needed involvement of disabled individuals in furthering education, understanding and advocacy in the community.” (From Chris, C-6/C-7 quad, Milwaukee, WI)

“I enjoyed the Day at the Races. Hearing Sam speak about his foundation and the progress it has made is a testament to what can be accomplished when you have a solid organization behind you. The hospitality of the Andretti/Green staff was excellent.” (From Joe)

“Excellent event! This was a great opportunity! The hospitality was great! Thank you so much! Sincerely appreciate it!” (From Ramon)

“The foundation is doing a great job.. good to be part of it today!” (From Neill, Louisville KY)

“The Shriners folks can’t thank you, Sam, and the folks at Andretti Racing enough for your hospitality. It was an uplifting experience for our patients. One of our patients suffered a C-5/6 spinal injury this past April resulting in many complications, including being in isolation for the past 2 months. Saturday was the first time since his accident that he felt real joy. Thanks again.” (From Sahar)

"I would like to thank you, for a wonderful day and evening at the races. It's because of programs like this, and people like you, that make this life, this Country worth fighting for. Mr. Schmidt, it is an honor to have met you ! Your crew, your hole team. For the longest time, I have found it hard to be around people other than Veterans, people that I could trust. Again, I wanna say Thanks! For making life so comfortable that day. I felt like family, like a friend. " It's been a long time since I felt that". I lost a lot of friends over seas, they fought and died for what they believed in, People like you."  (From James, St. Petersburg, FL - Wounded Warriers Project)

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