Conquer Paralysis Now
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is a charitable organization headquartered in Pennington, New Jersey. The Foundation was established in 2000 by Indycar driver Sam Schmidt after a racing accident rendered him a quadriplegic. In the hospital recovering from his initial injuries, Schmidt decided that he was one of the fortunate ones. He had his family, friends and faith to sustain him day by day, while others in his situation weren't so lucky. After discharge, he quickly realized that he would need a purpose to focus on in order to get out of bed every morning.
A natural public speaker and accomplished businessman, Schmidt is able to use his life experiences to raise disability awareness and funds to promote research as well as offering recreational opportunities for those in wheelchairs. From that initial concept in 2000, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation has grown into an organization of dedicated staff and volunteers. With global influence, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation is now one of the recognized leaders in the charge to cure paralysis. Schmidt's oft-repeated advice: "Find your passion and follow it".
Mission
The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF) helps individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other neurological disorders by funding scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances. This research also benefits stroke victims and people diagnosed with ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. SSPF funds its national Day at the Races program, Run, Walk 'N Wheelathon program, and quality of life grants to organizations throughout the country benefiting people with paralysis and other life challenges. It also provides college scholarships for people with spinal cord injuries/ paralysis. The Foundation works tirelessly in its advocacy efforts both locally and nationally on behalf of the disabled.
Purpose
There are almost 6 million people living with paralysis in the United States alone, and many millions more throughout the world. Paralysis is caused by injury, stroke and disease and has impacted many military men and women fighting the war on terrorism. The Foundation funds quality of life grants to organizations throughout the world benefiting people with paralysis and other life challenges. Dedicated staff and volunteers spend countless hours furthering the Mission of the Foundation. Donations, large and small, make it possible for the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation to lead the charge to find a cure for paralysis.