Support for Kimberly Schmidt
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Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider supporting Kim and her family. Kim has been married to Doug since 2011 and they have three children: Lucas (7), Ivy (5), and Tobias (3). Until 2015, Kim was a full-time teacher for over 10 years, with her last 2 years in Sarasota County at Riverview and Venice High Schools.
At the end of 2014, a tumor was discovered in Kim's spinal column. Though it was benign, it was growing and would eventually crush all of the nerves in her spine causing paralysis. Surgery was performed in March of 2015 to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The procedure itself would cause nerve damage and because of the shape and consistency of the tumor, 30% of it had to be left in her spine. Kim came out of surgery with very little ability to use her legs. Through 5 weeks of inpatient rehab and then months and months of hard work, Kim was able to gain her ability to walk with a walker, and master the use of hand controls to drive. She has fought hard to keep her independence and the ability to care for her family.
This year, some pain returned and it was discovered that the tumor had once again begun to grow. After seeking top medical opinions in the state, the difficult decision of surgery has been made. Kim will again have an invasive procedure to remove the tumor at Shands in Gainesville on November 7. The chances of further nerve damage and more paralysis are extremely high. She will be in inpatient rehab for at least 4-6 weeks. After she has recovered to a point, the plan is to then also have radiation to hopefully keep the tumor from ever growing again.
While Kim is at Shands, Doug will be balancing his full-time job, being daddy to his 3 children and going to see Kim in Gainesville as much as possible. The funds raised will be used for transportation and lodging for Doug, household expenses, and the pile of medical bills that are coming.
This process seems overwhelming but we are trusting the Lord, our Great Healer for His plan. We cannot thank you enough for your prayers and support.
At the end of 2014, a tumor was discovered in Kim's spinal column. Though it was benign, it was growing and would eventually crush all of the nerves in her spine causing paralysis. Surgery was performed in March of 2015 to remove as much of the tumor as possible. The procedure itself would cause nerve damage and because of the shape and consistency of the tumor, 30% of it had to be left in her spine. Kim came out of surgery with very little ability to use her legs. Through 5 weeks of inpatient rehab and then months and months of hard work, Kim was able to gain her ability to walk with a walker, and master the use of hand controls to drive. She has fought hard to keep her independence and the ability to care for her family.
This year, some pain returned and it was discovered that the tumor had once again begun to grow. After seeking top medical opinions in the state, the difficult decision of surgery has been made. Kim will again have an invasive procedure to remove the tumor at Shands in Gainesville on November 7. The chances of further nerve damage and more paralysis are extremely high. She will be in inpatient rehab for at least 4-6 weeks. After she has recovered to a point, the plan is to then also have radiation to hopefully keep the tumor from ever growing again.
While Kim is at Shands, Doug will be balancing his full-time job, being daddy to his 3 children and going to see Kim in Gainesville as much as possible. The funds raised will be used for transportation and lodging for Doug, household expenses, and the pile of medical bills that are coming.
This process seems overwhelming but we are trusting the Lord, our Great Healer for His plan. We cannot thank you enough for your prayers and support.
Fundraising team (2)
Kristen Mihalik Folkers
Organizer
Venice, FL
Doug Schmidt
Beneficiary
Valeria Ammons
Team member
