SCI Superstar: Sam Schroth

Crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2015, Sam Schroth from Appleton, Wisconsin, was injured over 10 years ago while in college. After her injury, she switched gears with her studies and is moved onto an even more prestigious degree. A farm girl at heart with the courage and the drive you would expect, check out our SCI Superstar – Sam Schroth.

Why She’s Fearless

Sam’s life was literally stopped in its tracks, and a 5 ft. long, 1 ft. wide dead tree was to blame. In May 2013, while helping friends install a dock at a cabin in Northern Minnesota, a dead out of nowhere fell on her back, crushing her T7-8 vertebrae. Her spinal cord was bruised, leaving her with no movement below her belly button, and the injury could have come at a worse time.

A week prior, she graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary medicine.  She loved working with animals ever since her early years on the farm, but after her injury, and her subsequent rehab at Craig Hospital in Colorado, she decided she wanted to change her career aspirations.

Instead of becoming a veterinarian, Sam is studying to become a medical doctor for spinal cord injured individuals; a rehab doc/physiatrist, being that it’s an area she’s now passionately interested in. 

But the great thing about Sam was that she took everything in stride. Within months of her injury, she had the confidence to speak in front of a large group of people at her benefit, sharing them details about her new life, and this amazing quote: “Just like your ability to walk doesn’t define who you are, my inability to walk doesn’t either,” she says.

What’s Next?

This skill of communications is the hallmark trait of Sam, and is why she won Ms. Wheelchair America. Along with becoming a doctor, she also wants to use her new life to inspire others, both disabled and able bodied, which is exactly why she entered the pageant for Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin (and won) before competing in the national pageant.

Sam also handcycles. Craig Hospital introduced her to several new adapted sports. A former runner, Sam also trains/races in marathons. We leave you with a quote from Sam: “In my life, I  know I will never sit still. Will you?”

– Sam’s site: Never Sitting Still