Dear Friends and Supporters,

Even writing this brings tears to my eyes. Donald has always been the first to help others—whether it was shoveling a neighbor’s driveway or saving lives on Boyd Lake during a dangerous windstorm last summer. As a dedicated law enforcement officer, helping others isn’t just his job; it’s who he is. Above all, he’s an incredible father to our two wonderful daughters.

In July, our world turned upside down when Donald was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. As a family, we rallied together, ready to fight this battle head-on. We hoped he could endure the initial 42 days of chemotherapy and the four week-long hospital treatments without complications.

But cancer has proven to be an unpredictable and relentless enemy. Donald has faced multiple setbacks, including several hospital stays. His most recent emergency landed him in the ICU, where he was intubated and placed in a medically induced coma for 10 days. By the grace of God, he came back to us, but the road ahead remains long and uncertain.

Many wonderful people have reached out, asking how they can help. After much thought, we’ve decided to create this GoFundMe to ease the financial burden that has come with Donald’s treatment and recovery.

Your support—whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing this campaign—means the world to us. Thank you for standing by us during this difficult time.

With gratitude,

The Schmidt Family