I have been to Sam's "Day at the Races" in Newton, Iowa the last 3 years and it's an amazing day that he provides for us! I'm sure it's not easy putting together an outing at a race track for quite a few wheelchair users and veterans but every year tops the last! It gives me an opportunity I wouldn't otherwise have to spend a day with my dad enjoying one of his interests (car races) and also get to know others in the same situation as myself. Sam understands what people need and does a great job in giving opportunites to keep on enjoying life!!
The Sam Schmidt Foundation is leading the charge for a cure for paralysis. The foundation does a lot with a very limited number of staff and very dedicated volunteers. This foundation funds cutting edge research into not only potential cures but also treatments such as better pain control. They provide quality of life grants to organizations for things like wheelchair ramps and sports opportunities. The Sam Schmidt Foundation also funds an extremely popular program called "Day at the Races", where people in wheelchairs and family members are treated to a fun behind-the-scenes day at a racetrack, including a catered lunch, goody bag of gifts & information, autographs & photos with racecar drivers & also Bridgestone Firestone Racing mascot Firehawk, a garage tour and a coveted spot to watch racetrack action from behind the pit wall. I've had the chance to volunteer at some of these events and never fail to be touched by the comments from guests, who appreciate "being made to feel so special for the day". Carole MacCarter
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I am the Chief Business Development Officer at Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI). I am an OTR by background and my area of expertise is spinal cord injury. RHI is the only CARF accredited spinal cord injury program in the State of Indiana.
Since my first meeting with Sam and his organization back in 2004 it has been an eye opener. Sam and his group have truely excelled in trying to gain awareness for those in need and to shed a better light on what the foundation can do to help others reach their goals in life. Every year this group gets better through the expanded help of their volunteers. I enjoy capturing the fun moments these folks have while visiting Sam's "Day At The Races" programs at various race tracks through out the season. The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is one of my favorite groups to be involved with in helping others excell in reaching their goals.
I have known Sam since before his accident and I am amazed at what a wonderful person he is. Sam has given this foundation his heart and soul and the small staff they do have is amazing. I have wanted to volunteer for years but was never able to travel to do so. This year I traveled to Las Vegas to volunteer for the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation Golf Tournament just a few weeks ago. I was amazed at the wonderful support and dedication all the volunteers and employees gave to this event. Whatever needed to be done was done, not complaints, I love their just get it done attitude. This is a wonderful Foundation and I look forward to being more involved this year on all levels. I would give anything they ask to help and encourage everyone to do the same. I promise you if you attend one of their functions or fundraisers you will be blessed and you will never be the same again.
