The Amazing Race Pool: Family Edition

On the Amazing Race Family Edition, ten families compete in a grueling race around the world for a million dollar prize. However, nothing encountered on The Amazing Race can compare to what one of the families competing on the show has been through recently. The Schroeder family is from New Orleans, Louisiana and lost everything during Hurricane Katrina.

The Schroeder family consists of Mark, Char, Stassi, and Hunter. Mark is an architect, while his wife Char is a public relations director. Stassi and Hunter are Mark’s two children from a previous marriage. Reality TV Magazine got in touch with Char Schroeder to find out how Hurricane Katrina had impacted their lives. Char told Reality TV Magazine, “We have weathered two hurricanes together and Hurricane Katrina demolished our home and all of its contents. We also lost two of our cars.”

With New Orleans under evacuation orders, it was actually another Amazing Race family that came to the Schroeder family’s rescue. The Rogers Family that also competed in The Amazing Race Family Edition lives in Shreveport, Louisiana. Char told Reality TV Magazine, “Thanks to the other race families, we received shelter, clothes, gifts and money. We ran from the hurricane and were fortunate enough to stay with the Rogers for almost two weeks. We will always be indebted to them.” Char also added, “Another family, my work family, has been sending us gifts to start over again, including pots, pans, dishes etc.”

Even though nothing can compare to facing a major catastrophe like a hurricane, the Schroeder family actually gives credit to The Amazing Race for helping to prepare them for the difficulties they have faced. Char said “We have lost everything, but the race taught us to live "on the run" under difficult situations. It prepared us in so many ways and it gave us a host of friends that we'll have for life.”

Despite everything they have been through, the Schroeder family remains resilient and determined to see their city rebuilt. Char said, “We will return to our city, the one where Mark and I grew up, because we know what it means to miss New Orleans.”

Source: Reality TV Magazine