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IRL: Schmidt Scheduled for Transfer

28 January 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Orlando, FL: Driver Sam Schmidt, critically injured in an accident at the Orlando IRL open test in early January, is scheduled to be transferred on Tuesday, January 18 from the Orlando Regional Medical Center to the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine Spinal Cord Injury Program in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Barnes-Jewish/Washington University program was selected after a week of comprehensive research by Schmidt's family and friends, who feel that it is the program best suited to his current condition. While his current state of paralysis remains unchanged, Schmidt remains positive and is eagerly looking forward to his transfer according to his mother- Judy Schmidt.

"Let's rock and roll," mouthed Schmidt, who is still unable to speak due to a ventilator. " I want to get going."

The first goal of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine Spinal Cord Injury Program is to provide a state-of- the-art comprehensive medical, surgical, rehabilitative, and long-term system of care for individuals with spinal cord injury.

The second goal of the program is to lead the development and implementation of new acute and chronic medical/surgical treatments for people with spinal cord injury. To obtain more information on the program visit www.neuro.wustl.edu/sci on the web.

Schmidt underwent surgery on Jan. 6 to stabilize an upper spinal fracture of C-3 and C-4 vertebrae. He is currently with his wife Shiela, son Spencer (5 months), daughter Savannah (2 years), and parents Marv and Judy. More updates on his condition will follow as the situation changes.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, well-wishers are encouraged by the Schmidt family to send donations in Sam's name to either CARA Charities, IRL Ministries or Speedway Children's Charities in care of Ruthie Culbertson at the Treadway Racing office address listed above.

Text provided by Treadway Racing

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