Tom Schmidt

Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March of 2018. For more than two years, his wonderful doctors at Rush Hospital in Chicago have helped him keep his cancer at bay while maintaining a high quality of life through a combination of immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. During this time, he has embraced life by traveling, having new experiences, and spending time with the people he loves. Some highlights include: taking a European river cruise to celebrate 50 years of wedded bliss with Mary; catching the Cubs spring training in Arizona with dear friends (it wasn’t the White Sox, but he enjoyed it anyway); attending a Schmidt family reunion in Michigan; pontooning and sailing at the lake house in Wisconsin; committing golf; and visiting his siblings, children and grandchildren.  

Beginning in mid-May, Tom spent several weeks in and out of the hospital where he received assistance managing difficulties with his breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. At the end of June, Tom’s doctors reported that his cancer had become considerably more aggressive, and it was clear that the treatments were no longer effective. It was also clear that Tom was fed up with hospitals and wanted to return home. His doctors have stopped chemotherapy treatment and remain focused on maintaining his comfort and quality of life.

Tom returned home on July 1 under hospice care, and was greeted with great joy by Mary, in addition to his children Jennifer, Ben, and Kate, who are all officially COVID-free and had been waiting to hug him for months. Following this joyful homecoming, we anticipate that Tom’s children will alternate time at the condo to support and spend time with both Tom and Mary.

As we begin a new phase of this journey, we feel surrounded by the love of family and friends, even though current circumstances prevent us from being together physically. Because visits are simply not wise under current circumstances, we invite you to share messages of support on this website or on our private Facebook group, which will be used less for information sharing and more for memories, stories and messages of support. To join the Facebook group, simply search for Tom Schmidt Fan Club on Facebook and submit a request to join.

Thank for your continued support. We love and appreciate you.

Mary, Jen, Ben, and Kate