Support Mary Schmitz's ICU Recovery Journey

On behalf of my mom, Mary Schmitz, we are asking for your help in a moment of crisis. On the night of January 18th, my mom suddenly fell violently ill, and by the morning of the 19th, she was rushed to the ER in critical condition. She was immediately taken into emergency surgery, which lasted until 3:30 PM. But it didn’t end there—she was told she would need a second surgery the very next day. After two harrowing surgeries, countless tests, and a near-constant barrage of treatments, my mom is now in the ICU at Aurora Bay Care Medical Center in Green Bay, WI. Her status is still day-to-day.

Her condition is the result of an enlarged hernia that caused severe damage to her organs—specifically her kidneys—and tragically, part of her small and large intestines had to be removed. While the surgeries were successful in the short-term, we’re far from out of the woods.

Although we are grateful for the success of these surgeries there are even more complications and the road ahead is long, uncertain, and full of more intense medical care. So far, she’s been through two surgeries, CT and MRI scans, temporary kidney dialysis, physical therapy, and much more. The toll this has taken on her body, emotionally and physically, is unimaginable. But we have no choice but to stay hopeful.

I am Stephen Schmitz, and along with my brothers, Glenn and Michael, we have created this GoFundMe to help cover the massive, mounting medical costs we are facing. With my mom's condition is still so precarious, we're holding onto every moment, praying she can fight through this and come home. But we can't do this alone. If you're reading this, I ask you to reflect—if you're still with your mother, and if she’s healthy and by your side, cherish every single moment. Because we would give anything to turn back time and have our mom back to the way she was. Please help us in any way you can. Every dollar counts. Thank you for your kindness, your prayers, and your generosity in this heartbreaking time.

UPDATE: We are currently mourning the death of Mary Schmitz who tragically passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 26th. She passed away peacefully and with comfort in the ICU.