Interview with Patrick Rummerfield
At 52, Patrick Rummerfield is unstoppable. Considered the world's first fully recovered quadriplegic he has made his life about being a winner and giving people hope. He has run several races, including an Iron Man and a race through Antarctica. He also holds the world record for electric vehicles (245 mph).Rummerfield is also a patient relations liaison at the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, affiliated to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
We interviewed Pat Rummerfield about his upcoming challenge of racing through the desert of Gobi, China.
Can you tell us how you came to the Kennedy Krieger Institute?
In 2005, Dr. John McDonald, the lead neurologist to the late actor Christopher Reeve and a renowned spinal cord injury & paralysis researcher, moved his innovative research and clinical program from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri to the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. There he launched the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury - the world's first center with a unique focus on the rehabilitation and restoration of children with chronic spinal cord injuries. I followed Dr. McDonald's vision to Baltimore to serve as a patient liaison and fundraiser - helping to continue the goal of creating an internationally-known center providing state of the art rehabilitation and research that will advance the care for spinal cord patients throughout the world.
How did you know about the race?
A few weeks ago, while filming a video to promote greater awareness of the Center's innovative therapies and research, Claudia Costabile from Johns Hopkins Medicine International suggested that I meet with Dr. Brian Krabak at Johns Hopkins to explore the possibility of participating in this grueling event. Dr. Krabak, who heads the medical team, provided the fascinating details and I was compelled to sign on for the entire race series.
What makes you want to take this challenge?
My participation in this challenge will demonstrate the possibilities available to individuals living with spinal cord injuries and all disabilities. The motivation and will necessary to complete this task will visually exemplify our Center's passion to help children and adolescents with paralysis. Furthermore, with the support of devoted corporate donors and dedicated media, the races will raise awareness and funding that I believe will translate into pivotal clinical advances in SCI research.
Are you afraid you won't be able to finish the race?
Fear is not a word in my vocabulary. Winning and living life to the height of my abilities serve as the impetus for finishing the race. Winning doesn't mean coming in first, because I race for others, not myself. Winning and finishing means bringing the world into our team as partners toward surpassing our goal of creating hope and better quality of life for all spinal cord injured people in the world. That goal will carry me to the finish line because it is a goal greater than one individual's effort.
How has your relationship with Dr. Krabak been so far?
Dr. Krabak, like Dr. McDonald, is renowned in his field of expertise and excels in the area of sports medicine. He personally competes in events such as these, which translate well toward handling the issues that may arise at such events. He is also compassionate, knowledgeable and devoted to seeing the competitors finish in the best health possible. He has assembled a state of the art medical team to accompany the racers.
How did you convince him to let you participate?
I do not believe that anyone could talk Dr. Krabak into anything. His primary concern is for the safety of the participant. His medical expertise regarding the health requirements for this competition are unsurpassed, and after evaluating my health, history and experience, he determined my fitness to compete.
What's the message you want to get across?
Life throws curve balls at everyone, but with will, faith and determination all people may rise above their own challenges, learn from them, and improve their lives as a result. My personal challenges have never kept me from doing what I loved to do before the accident that resulted in my paralysis. I loved athletic competition as a youth and so I began competing in triathlons following my 17 years of rehabilitation. Some day I hope to race NASCAR for the same cause I race on foot today.
My participation in the Gobi competition offers others the opportunity to join in the challenge of raising awareness and funding for individuals with SCI injuries and disabled children throughout the world, so that many more individuals can have access to the same innovative therapies offered at our International Center for Spinal Cord Injury. I am thankful for the opportunity to spread my message to others who are willing to take on the challenge of supporting our worthy cause. Their help will make a difference in the world, and their support will drive me to finish this race.
