¦ February 18, 2005
Successful Week For Sam Schmidt, Paralysis Foundation

Successful Week For Sam Schmidt, Paralysis Foundation

Quadriplegic car owner meets Kennedy staff
In conjunction with stem cell research bill


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sam Schmidt couldn’t help but smile when Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) made his statement in support of a bill authorizing federal expenditures for stem cell research earlier this week. It is an area close to his heart.

Schmidt and Ida Cahill, who is president of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, met with congressional leaders to discuss paralysis rehabilitation issues that are facing Congress in the new session. Schmidt, a former driver who was paralyzed with a spinal cord injury following a crash, is the founder of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.

“It was great having the opportunity to meet with Senator Kennedy’s staff and discuss these issues that are vitally important to those with spinal cord injuries,” Schmidt said. “To have him introduce this legislation and support the stem cell research that is so important to finding the help we need for those with these type of injuries.”

Schmidt and Ms. Cahill were in Washington this week to meet with Senators, congressmen and their staffs as part of an effort coordinated by the National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART).

“We are drawing upon the motorsports community to increase the awareness of spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders that have the potential of being treated and cured if research is permitted to continue,” Schmidt said. “Not too many years ago, doctors did not offer any hope to people with spinal cord injuries. Today researchers are stating it is no longer a matter of if but a matter of when treatments and cures will be found.”

Sen. Kennedy said in his statement, “Legislation should be an expression of our values, and this legislation says loud and clear that we value patients and their families – not rigid ideology and a refusal to look at the facts. Our culture of life will free the nation’s best scientists (NIH) to explore the full potential of stem cell research to save lives and reduce suffering for millions. We owe it to humanity to move forward on stem cell research. It’s time for Congress to act.”

Schmidt and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation agree.

“We need to keep moving forward and making ‘when’ as soon as possible,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt’s personal story is a compelling one that shows tremendous hope. After crashing during an Indy car test in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 6, 2000, Schmidt spent six weeks on a respirator and was diagnosed a quadriplegic as the result of a severe injury to his spinal cord at the C-3/C-4 levels. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation was set up soon thereafter, at Schmidt’s request and direction, to assist other people suffering from spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding medical research and quality of life programs.

In 2001, just 14 months after his devastating accident, Schmidt shocked the racing community. He announced the formation of Sam Schmidt Motorsports, and named Las Vegas neighbor, and friend Davey Hamilton as his driver. Schmidt was back doing what he loves most - racing.

Today, Schmidt remains paralyzed from the chest down. Doctors have not ruled out a partial or complete recovery, but it could take years. Schmidt and his team of physical therapists continue an aggressive schedule of four to six hours of daily therapy. His therapy regimen includes: muscular range of motion exercises, weight-supported walking on a treadmill, several hours of Functional Electronic Stimulation (FES), swimming pool therapy and riding a Stimaster stationary bike that is operated by Schmidt through electronic stimulation.

The mission of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technology advances. The Foundation also raises funds to improve quality of life issues and ensure the best possible outcomes by touching individual lives. For further information, contact SSPF, P. O. Box 24355, Speedway, IN 46224-0355, or telephone (317) 236-9999.