I’m writing on behalf of Erich Schmidt, our two children, and our entire family.
Erich has been a dedicated federal government employee for years, showing up every single day to keep travelers safe—even during shutdowns when paychecks stop and essential workers like him must continue working without compensation.
Right now, he is truly ruly running on fumes. The bootstraps are worn thin, and we need help to keep going.
In 2023, Erich faced a devastating health crisis we kept private for a long time. He was diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma in his throat and tongue. What followed was a nightmare: major surgery removing most of his tongue and all throat lymph nodes, followed by intense rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.
Against all odds, Erich beat cancer. But the victory came at a steep, permanent price—he can no longer swallow and now lives with a feeding tube for the rest of his life.
The medical bills were staggering. Even with job-provided insurance, he was left with thousands in out-of-pocket costs. As one hospital staff member said, “It’s criminal how limited this insurance is.” Ongoing monthly expenses for prescription feeding formula and medical supplies range from $800 to $2,000—essential for his survival.
Add rent, groceries for our kids, and basic household needs, and the budget is wiped out before the month even starts.
Compounding everything, the current partial government shutdown (focused on the Department of Homeland Security) has hit him hard. Essential workers like Erich must keep working without pay. In the last six months, he has missed three full paychecks—with no clear end in sight. Backpay will come eventually, but bills and immediate needs can’t wait. Each day, the financial hole grows deeper. He has a 12 year old son to support and summer care is expensive, there is no free summer camp this year in Ventura. His daughter is a college freshman taking full credits on scholarship while working and even she helps the family by getting food from the college food pantry.
Erich has always been the strongest person I know—he’s tried to handle this alone and protect our kids from worry after watching their dad fight for his life. But he has reached the point where he truly need support.
Every dollar donated will go directly toward:
Medical supplies and medical copays
Rent and utilities
Groceries and basic needs for our two children
Any remaining medical debt from his cancer treatment
If we receive more than needed for his immediate crisis, any surplus will support other struggling federal families in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and nearby counties—helping them with food and shelter during this shutdown.
No one wants to ask for help, and Erich especially hates it. But three missed paychecks, lifelong feeding-tube costs, and mounting bills have left no other choice.
Even $5, $10, or $20 makes a huge difference. If you can’t donate, please share our story— this fight is bigger than his family alone.
Your kindness gives us hope and helps us move forward, one day at a time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading this, considering a donation, or simply sharing. Your support is literally helping keep our family fed, housed, and together while Erich continues serving his country.
With endless gratitude,
The Schmidt Family