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IRL: Rehabilitation Scheduled for Sam Schmidt

28 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Indianapolis, IN: Sam Schmidt, critically injured in an IRL on-track accident in early January, is anticipating intensive rehabilitation at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. The 34 year-old was transferred late last Tuesday (Jan. 11) afternoon from Orlando Regional Medical Center, and is expected to begin rehabilitation in approximately 4-5 days. Doctors are currently weaning him away from the ventilation system, so that Schmidt may begin breathing on his own on a full-time basis.

There have been no changes to Schmidt's state of paralysis, but he and his family remain positive as they look forward to the rehabilitation process. For more information regarding the hospital's Spinal Cord Injury program, visit www.neuro.wustl.edu/sci on the web.

An address at the hospital has been established, so that those who wish to send Schmidt any words of inspiration or comfort may address them to:

Sam Schmidt
Attn: Public Relations Department
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
1 Barnes Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63110

Treadway Racing is also accepting letters on his behalf as well. In addition, Treadway Racing and the Schmidt family are working together to set up a Foundation in Sam's name to ensure stability for the family, as well as provide funds to support spinal cord injury research and rehabilitation. As soon as the Foundation is established, an address will be provided for contributions. More updates on his condition will follow as the situation changes.

Text provided by Treadway Racing

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