Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,

We’re facing an unexpected and urgent medical challenge. Yesterday, Doug was diagnosed with a detached retina — a serious condition that requires immediate surgery to prevent permanent vision loss. As I type this, he is at the hospital waiting to be seen by the specialist. While we are trusting God through it all, the estimated cost for the surgery and follow-up care is about $14,300. Today's expected expenses are $12,800 and $1,500 for follow-up appointments. Updated June 13th. The bills have started to come in and the estimations by the hospital were low. I have adjusted the goal up to over $16,000 now. I will adjust it as we see the expenses come in.

We’ve been serving as full-time missionaries in Tanzania for the past 14 years, working in faith-based outreach, literature, and community support. As missionaries, we do not have U.S. health insurance, so we bear these medical costs entirely. We are scheduled to return to Africa July 1, which may have to be postponed.

This situation has caught us off guard, both emotionally and financially. Several caring friends have asked how they can help, and we are incredibly humbled and grateful for any support. Whether it’s through a donation, a prayer, or sharing this fundraiser, your kindness truly means the world to us.

All funds will be used toward the surgery, post-operative appointments, any additional treatments necessary to ensure the best possible recovery, and related costs.

Thank you so much for standing with us in this time of need.

With love and gratitude,

Tamara & Doug Schoch

PS - we've updated the fund raising goal as additional information has come in regarding the medical costs.