¦ 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.  "Sam has demonstrated extraordinary generosity of time, talent and resources, and his efforts have touched many people," said Peter T. Wilderotter, President and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. "This award is presented with gratitude to Sam for his enthusiastic dedication, loyal support and inspirational example.  He is the epitome of an individual who is healthy, active and independent, who just happens to live with quadriplegia."

Following remarks from Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler, stars of Friday Night Lights, they presented Sam with the Visionary Leadership award. 

"I am so touched and honored by this recognition from the Christopher and Dana Reeeve Foundation," said Sam.  "Not only was Chris a friend, but he inspired me and so many others to pull through challenging times and move forward with my life.  I am working toward having the checkered flag wave at the finish line when the researchers find a cure for paralysis."