Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation |

NEWS

August 31, 2010
FOLLOW-UP TO SSPF's DAY AT THE RACES EVENT, CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY

by Sahar Hassani, Shriners - reprinted with permission
“I love being at the race track,” smiled Mary Boswell, a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago.

August 25, 2010
DAY AT THE RACES INFINEON RACEWAY

A V.I.P Experience from Beginning to End
Our Day at the Races event at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA on Saturday, August 21 started at the top - literally.

August 15, 2010
SAM SCHMIDT PARALYSIS FOUNDATION ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE

Notes of Appreciation from Two Recent Quality of Life Grant Recipient Organizations
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Fouundation is committed to curing paralysis. Until that day comes, the Foundation supports organizations that benefit the disabled.

Print version

DAY AT THE RACES

We regularly receive testimonials and appreciation for our Day at the Races events, and we certainly appreciate them.

Here are some recent examples.
- "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.
- "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.

Click here to see more testimonials from people who attended Day at the Races event.
Click here to see 2010 Day at the Races event schedule.

WHAT IS DAY AT THE RACES?

Since its inception, hundreds of spinal cord injured people and their families have attended a ‘Day at the Races' program, which was developed by Sam to build upon his team's participation at racetracks throughout the country.

At the racetrack locations, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation contacts local rehabilitation centers and organizations for the disabled, inviting patients and family members to attend a ‘behind-the-scenes' guided tour of the garage area and enjoy a catered lunch. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the drivers and view on-track activities. Guest speakers address many areas of concern, including: transition from inpatient rehabilitation to the home, insurance problems, homecare, family and transportation.

Additionally, emphasis is placed on the topic of post injury employment since many newly disabled people begin to believe there are no opportunities. Rather than accepting a life of social welfare and becoming a burden on society, encouragement and practical information are provided for attendees. A mobile 'resource center' containing literature on topics such as adaptive devices, national and local sports programs, accessible transportation, medical research and other beneficial information is available.

As a reminder of the day, participants also receive racing memorabilia , products from participating sponsors and contact information for future reference. In many instances the program offers the initial opportunity for patients to leave the rehabilitation hospital and enjoy the first of hopefully many days of activity with their families.

The program is structured and highly successful in achieving several very important goals that are essential to the future well being of the attendees and families:

Within a ‘safe' environment, they are exposed to potential accessibility issues and challenges faced at public venues. Successfully maneuvering their way around the track and grounds and the opportunity to interact with people both with and without disabilities instills confidence and self-assurance. They realize they are able to meet new challenges presented to them and regain confidence in their ability to communicate and carry on conversations.
An informal forum is provided for interaction with other previously injured individuals. These people recount their stories, provide inspiration and real life examples on how and why not to give up on life or permit obstacles to deter them from reaching their goals. The realization becomes apparent that, while their life has dramatically changed, a fulfilling and productive life is within their grasp. These are experiences that cannot be learned in a book or hospital setting.
Resource materials on spinal cord injury research, adaptive technologies, sports programs, job training, the importance of maintaining healthy lives by exercising and physical therapy and other critical information is provided.

It's an exhilarating day and one that is long remembered for its message of hope and sense of excitement for the future. The program positively impacts the inpatient returning to the hospital by inspiring a new outlook on life and renewed enthusiasm toward physical therapy. The previously injured attendees become re-energized by new information received and feel a sense of ‘community' and self-worth by supporting those who are newly injured.

Equally important, the program is extremely beneficial to the attending family members who survived the initial trauma of their loved ones sustaining an injury and now know what to expect in the days and months ahead. While none of their lives will ever be the same, the ‘Day at the Races' program instills confidence, provides essential information, the opportunity to get to know others who will lend assistance and hope for the future.

In a split second, doing every day activities such as riding a bike, crossing a road, driving a car or swimming, a life can be turned upside down and changed forever. With your support, the ‘Day at the Races' program will provide uplifting experiences for many more people. Your support will play an important role in helping patients and their families cope with the uncertainty and trauma of a new disability and provide hope for the future.

How to Become a Day at the Races Sponsor
Sponsorships are available for Day at the Races events, from local sponsorship levels to national sponsorship levels. We also welcome product samples to place in the "goodie bags" that we give to all our Day at the Races guests. Please contact Cindy Norton for further details: cnort4@insightbb.com or 502-396-3214.

For Homestead Miami Day at the Races flyer, click here.

NATIONAL DAY AT THE RACES SPONSORS:

United Medical Providers