SAVE THE DATE
26th Annual Racing To Recovery Gala
May 22nd, 2026
Indiana Roof Ballroom
No Finish Line
On January 6, 2000, Sam Schmidt, who had just won his first IndyCar Series race in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas, backed his racecar into a wall at the Walt Disney World Speedway. He did so at around 200 mph, and the impact broke his neck. Sam spent six months in rehab before going home to his new life with his loving wife, Sheila, and two young children, Savannah and Spencer.
For 26 years, Sam has learned to live paralyzed. But being a quadriplegic has not slowed him down. Sam's philosophy is you either get busy doing the work, or you get busy waiting to die. For him, the latter is not an option.
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The son of a driver who was also paralyzed from the sport, Sam has lived an astonishing, DRIVEN life. This is his journey.
100% of author proceeds to go Conquer Paralysis Now!
About Us
Conquer Paralysis Now is dedicated to empowering individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries and neurological conditions through cutting-edge research, affordable innovative recovery programs, and compassionate support services, driving progress towards a cure and enhancing lives every step of the way.
DRIVEN by Data
At CPN, we believe that purpose without direction is not enough.
That's why we use data to guide every aspect of our work — from identifying gaps in program services to measuring outcomes and ensuring quality in all that we do.
5.4M+
The number of people living in the United States with some a form of paralysis. | Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The number of Americans who sustain a traumatic brain injury each year. I Source: Brain Injury
Association of America
2.8M+
883K+
18K+
The number of people living in
INDIANA with mobility, cognition, self care and independent living conditions. | Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The number of new traumatic spinal cord injuries occur each year in the United States. | Source: National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center
2025 Annual Report
YOUR DONATIONS GO TO
DRIVEN NEURORECOVERY CENTERS
DRIVEN NeuroRecovery Centers provide cutting-edge, long-term rehabilitation for people with paralysis and neurological conditions—a critical service often not covered by insurance. By combining state-of-the-art technology, expert care, and a community-driven approach, DRIVEN helps individuals regain strength, independence, and hope. Your donation directly funds access to life-changing therapy, empowering more people to continue their recovery journey beyond what traditional healthcare allows.
INNOVATIVE RESEARCH
Conquer Paralysis Now is at the forefront of funding groundbreaking research to cure paralysis and improve the lives of those living with spinal cord injuries. We support cutting-edge clinical trials, breakthrough technologies, and regenerative medicine that push the boundaries of what’s possible. From neurostimulation and stem cell therapies to innovative rehab strategies, our funding accelerates the path to real solutions. By investing in the brightest minds and the most promising advancements, we’re not just hoping for change—we’re making it happen.