¦ November 4, 2007
Mayor Declares Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman Honors Former Race Car Driver & Paralysis Advocate Sam Schmidt

LAS VEGAS, Nev.. – Sam Schmidt has a history of getting a crowd motivated. A former top Indy Racing League driver, Schmidt has burnt many miles weaving through tight turns and rushing toward the checkered flag, all to the roaring cheers of thousands of racing fans. When a high-speed crash into a wall during a 2000 race left him a quadriplegic, Schmidt decided to refocus his passion and inspire a new audience to take action. As a result, just months after his injury, he, along with the help of his family and friends, formed The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.

Just as Schmidt, a Las Vegas native, has garnered many fans for his work behind the wheel, he has also earned the public’s praise and respect for his tireless efforts in spreading awareness about spinal cord injuries. As a tribute to his spirit, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman has declared the week of October 29 through November 2 as Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week.

“Having a Spinal Cord Injury Week in Nevada is very special, and I applaud Mayor Goodman for making it happen,” Schmidt said. “Due to Nevada’s climate and active residents, we have a larger than normal section of the population living with spinal cord injuries, and they will be honored by this recognition. Every day, we are battling to cure neurological disorders as well as provide proper insurance coverage and employment opportunities for those who are disabled. This week will bring a local and national awareness to our cause, which is greatly needed.”

“QUOTE FROM MAYOR GOODMAN”

Ida Cahill, CEO of the Foundation, said “Sam and I personally work and visit with hundreds of spinal cord injured people each year and hear many stories of despair. Thank you Mayor Goodman for giving us this opportunity to provide your message of hope.”

Founded in 2000 The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is a 501 c 3 organization working to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances. The Foundation also raises funds to improve quality of life issues and ensure the best possible outcomes by touching individual lives.

Soon after forming the foundation, Schmidt also announced the formation of Sam Schmidt Motorsports, which in 2004, 2006 and again in 2007 captured the Infiniti Pro Series Championship. Schmidt now regularly travels more than 120 days a year on behalf of the racing team and foundation. He lives in Henderson, Nev., with his wife and their two children.

The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is a partner of LifeLock, a Tempe, Ariz.-based identity theft prevention company that helps empower consumers to protect their identities from fraudulent activity. LifeLock is a proud supporter of The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and the work it is doing to educate others on spinal cord injuries.

Contacts:
Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation – Ida Cahill (609-638-2083)
Motorsports Team – Kaaveh Akbari (317-727-6957)
Reprinted from Sam Schmidt Motorsports Press Release
(Distributed by LifeLock)