March 31, 2009
REEVE ACT PASSED TODAY
A message from Ida Cahill, CEO

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act (CRPA), which focuses on advancing research in paralysis and improving quality of life for those living with paralysis, was signed today by President Barack Obama and is a victory for groups like Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. Sam Schmidt raced his way through a successful Indy League racing career....   more→

March 8, 2009
LIFE IN THE FAST LANE WITH SAM SCHMIDT
Press Release

During the very short off-season from his racing schedule, Sam Schmidt has been working on a project to rebuild a cool classic vehicle to suit his needs as a person in a wheelchair.  He was recently asked for a progress update.  Sam replied, “For background, I have been a ‘car guy’ all of my life....   more→

March 2, 2009
Update on Activities in the Stem Cell Field
by Kay Kohlman, SSPF Volunteer

Two important developments were reported in newspapers this week.  The headlines read as follows: 1. “President Obama to unleash stem cell research: The lifting of funding restrictions is expected to pump life into the stem cell research field.” 2. “Researchers report stem cell advance: Scientists have created the first personalized stem cells for patients that are free of the cancer-causing viruses and genes needed to make them....   more→

February 13, 2009
2009 GALA TO CELEBRATE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION
Note: Gala date changed to Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The 10th Annual Racing to Recovery Gala hosted by the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation will be held at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, Indiana on Wednesday May 13, 2009.  (Note date change from previous posting.) The annual gala celebrates the achievements of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances to help those who have been afflicted with chronic and acute paralysis, as well as other neurological disorders such as ALS, Alzheimer’...   more→

January 31, 2009
FDA RULING BRINGS SAM SCHMIDT CLOSER TO TAKING A STEP
PRESS RELEASE from Sam Schmidt Motorsports

LAS VEGAS - Former IndyCar Series racer and current Firestone Indy Lights Series team owner Sam Schmidt dreams of the day that he can stand out of his wheelchair, hug his loved ones, shake hands with business colleagues, and above all, return to a "normal" life. With news last week that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved embryonic stem cell trials, Schmidt'...   more→

January 26, 2009
SAM SCHMIDT HOSTS MISS AMERICA CONTESTANTS IN LAS VEGAS
Promotional event held at indoor karting center

Sam Schmidt recently welcomed Miss America pageant contestants to his new indoor karting center, Pole Position Raceway, in Las Vegas.  Asked what it was like to spend the day with all those beautiful Miss America contestants, Sam offered a tongue-in-cheek reply, "We needed to have an ownership presence at the event, and since no one else was available, and as much of a struggle as it was, I eventually drug myself down there....   more→

January 23, 2009
Great News!
U.S. Government approves first stem cell study for spinal cord injury

California based biotech company Geron plans to start the world’s first study of a spinal cord injury treatment based on human embryonic stem cells.  The initial study is expected to begin this summer.  According to their website, www.geron.com, patients eligible for the Phase I trial must have documented evidence of functionally complete spinal cord injury with a neurological level of T3 to T10 spinal segments and agree to have GRNOPC1 injected into the lesion sites between seven and 14 days after injury....   more→

January 22, 2009
Request for Proposal

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) seeks to support research that will document the service activities and time associated with provision of wheeled mobility and seating equipment by rehabilitation suppliers.  Specifically, the application narrative should describe a research methodology that will achieve the following: 1....   more→

December 8, 2008
THE CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION HONORS SAM SCHMIDT
This year's Visionary Leadership Award presented in Los Angeles

Sam Schmidt received the 2008 Visionary Leadership Award from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation during a celebration dinner in Los Angeles last week.  The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation have been longtime partners and have worked together for several years to fund cutting edge research....   more→

December 2, 2008
SAM SCHMIDT TO BE AWARDED VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD BY THE CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION
Recognized for "Enthusiastic Dedication, Loyal Support, Inspirational Example"

LOS ANGELES (December 2, 2008) - The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is pleased to announce that Sam Schmidt will be the recipient of the 2008 Visionary Leadership Award from  The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation at the Making Magic Happen Gala in Los Angeles on December 2, 2008.  Sam Schmidt will be recognized for his outstanding professional and philanthropic leadership....   more→

November 13, 2008
GOLFING, RACING STARS TURN OUT FOR 3RD ANNUAL RACING TO RECOVERY GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Sam Schmidt Foundation Raises $175,000 to Benefit Paralysis Patients, Scientific Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jennifer Avrhami Mindspace 480-941-8497 ext 119 [email protected] LAS VEGAS (November 10, 2008) – The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, which helps fund research and quality of life programs for those with spinal cord injuries, hosted its 3rd Annual Racing to Recovery Golf Tournament on Monday, November 3, 2008....   more→

November 3, 2008
3rd ANNUAL RACING TO RECOVERY GOLF OUTING & TOURNAMENT
Monday, November 3, 2008

For brochure, click here. Golf outing & tournament to be held at Reflection Bay, Las Vegas NV. Contact Ida Cahill, [email protected] or telephone 317-236-9999 for reservations. Reflection Bay Golf Course at Lake Las Vegas Resort was personally designed by Jack Nicklaus.  The 7,261 yard, par-72 award winning course makes its way through the desert while providing breathtaking views of Lake Las Vegas....   more→

October 28, 2008
Sam Schmidt empowers himself to help others with spinal cord injuries
by John L. Smith, Columnist, Las Vegas Review Journal

Reprinted from the Las Vegas Review Journal. Sam Schmidt's life has been defined by his passions, but he readily admits politics isn't one of them. For many years, Schmidt lived to race. He moved swiftly through the ranks and worked tirelessly to fulfill a childhood dream of starting in the Indy 500. When a January 2000 crash during a practice run left him a quadriplegic and on a respirator for six weeks, Schmidt'...   more→

October 18, 2008
STEM CELL EXPERTS MEET IN MADISON, WI
Reprinted from WKOWTV.com

More than 800 people met in Madison, WI last month for the World Stem Cell Summit.  One attendee is turning a personal tragedy into advocacy for medical research and treatment.  Indy Car racer Sam Schmidt's life changed forever when he suffered a crash 8 years ago. The accident left him paralyzed from his chest down....   more→

October 7, 2008
California Governor Schwarzenegger Vetoes SB1565
reprinted from American for Cures

On Monday, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 1565 (Kuehl/Runner) with this message to the legislature: "To the Members of the California State Senate: I am returning Senate Bill 1565 without my signature.  This bill undermines the express intent of Proposition 71 in two ways: it eliminates the priority for funding human embryonic stem cell research and it places an unnecessary restriction on the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee authority to adopt intellectual property regulations that balance patient need and essential medical research....   more→

September 23, 2008
Ex-Racer Pins Hope On Stem Cell Research
reprinted from Associated Press

MADISON - Former race driver Sam Schmidt isn't kidding himself. He doesn't expect stem cell research to let him jump out of his wheelchair. "It won't be a magic pill," Schmidt said after coming to Madison for the World Stem Cell Summit this week. "I'm not going to immediately go in for a procedure and come out walking....   more→

September 21, 2008
Sam Schmidt to present at World Stem Cell Summit
Inspirational talk on Sunday, September 21, 2008.

Sam Schmidt, Chairman of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, will give an
inspirational talk on Sunday, September 21 at 2 p.m. during the Lab on the Lake
segment of the World Stem Cell Summit in Madison, WI.  His talk "Racing to Recovery" will
take place in Room 325-326. ...   more→

July 31, 2008
Sam Schmidt Honored for Creating Opportunities for Women Drivers
Given by the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation

Sam Schmidt Motorsports owner Sam Schmidt and American Spirit Racing owner Jon Lewis are among the recipients of the Opportunity Award -- developed to honor racing teams, series and sponsors that create significant opportunities for women drivers to excel within the industry -- from the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation....   more→

July 30, 2008
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Hosts Day at the Races
Sparta, Kentucky, August 8, 2008

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) is hosting one of its celebrated "Day at the Races" Programs at The Kentucky Speedway Aug. 8. These motivational day-long events held throughout the year at various racetrack locations across the country, provide support, hope, and empowerment to individuals and families coping with paralysis and other neurological diseases....   more→

June 1, 2008
Sam Visits the Children's TherAplay Foundation
Carmel Indiana

Sam recently paid a visit to the Children’s TherAplay Foundation outpatient rehabilitation clinic for children with special needs, located located in Carmel Indiana. Their team incorporates the movement of horses in physical and occupational therapy sessions. Their mission is to provide children who have special needs a foundation for developing life skills through innovative therapies in a safe and caring environment including equine-assisted physical and occupational therapy....   more→