Pat Rummerfield
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article or section needs to be wikified to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please help improve this article with relevant internal links. (August 2007) |
 |
This article does not cite any references or sources. (January 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
August 10, 2007, According to the FIA record book Patrick Rummerfield is still the world land speed record holder for the electric car 245.5 mph for a Class III electric car (over 1000 Kg) in White Lightning set on October 22, 1999[citation needed].
Patrick was paralyzed Sep 20, 1974 at the age 21 in a high-speed (135 MPH) car accident and given less than 72 hours to live. Through shear determination and the desire to accomplish his childhood dream of racing, he moved his big toe. After seventeen years of intensive rehabilitation he walks today with over 85% of his spinal chord destroyed at C-4[citation needed].
Seventeen years of exhaustive rehabilitation resulted in many world firsts, including the first SCI Quadriplegic to swim/bike/run/participate and completed a half IronMan triathlon, the first SCI Quadriplegic to set a USA National Land Speed Record (239 MPH), and the first physically challenged athlete to participate and finish a stage in an Adventure Race - one of the most grueling athletic pursuits on Earth[citation needed].
As an integral part of the new International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger Institute Rummerfield’s constant patient motivation and education has been beneficial in many an SCI individuals outcomes both nationally and Internationally[citation needed].
Patrick was on the team at Washington University credited with helping Christopher Reeves regain function. He has been featured on the Discovery Channel and Ripley's Believe It or Not, among other media[citation needed].
Rummerfield is often called "the world's only fully recovered quadriplegic". While his recovery has been remarkable, this title is a bit misleading as Rummerfield still suffers from loss of sensation in his lower legs, impaired bowel and bladder function, reduced strength in his hands, and difficulty regulating body temperature. [1]
