"Every Bite Saves a Life"

our mom's story

During Patricia Keeling Schmidt's pregnancy with her second child, the doctors delivered devastating news. She had a cancerous lump in her left breast. Because of the dangers to the baby, Patricia could not undergo life saving treatments or surgery. She must either abort her unborn child, or wait until after the birth, reducing her own chances for a full recovery. The additional hormones from pregnancy could accelerate the growth of the cancerous tumors.

Mom at Patrick's Baby Shower

Patricia never faltered in her decision to give her baby a chance at life, even at the expense of her own. On December 26, 1972 Patricia gave birth to Elizabeth Schmidt, a healthy baby girl. Patrick Schmidt, born on June 5, 1967 was only five years old when his mom brought Baby Beth home. Patricia would prove to be a devoted mother to her two small children even while enduring the harsh treatments to rid her body of cancer. After a short recovery from childbirth, Patricia again entered the hospital to undergo major surgery to remove her left breast. Test results showed the cancer had spread to some lymph nodes but everyone was hopeful that with chemotherapy treatments the disease could be conquered. More hardships were soon to follow. Patricia's husband left and she was divorced in 1973.

Raising two children on her wages and child support was no easy feat. But God had provided Patricia and her family with wonderful friends who would prove to be the backbone they would need. Within two years, the cancer had returned, this time in her bones. These wonderful friends continued to support Patricia by babysitting, providing transportation to doctor's appointments, bringing food, cleaning house and the many other necessities of every day life. Patricia was always thankful to God for these blessings.

Mom on Here Wedding Day, (Date)

Throughout her sickness, she never gave up, lashed out, or lost her faith in God. As a devoted mother to Patrick and Beth, Patricia fought hard to live. But God had other plans. He took her home, ending her suffering on Labor Day, September 5, 1977. Patricia was only 34 years old at the time of her death, having been born in Willisburg, Kentucky on February 18, 1943. She was the fourth child in a family of five.

Today, Patricia is remembered by her children as a woman who lived her life with grace and dignity. She has been an inspiration to everyone who had the good fortune to be a part of her life. Her son Patrick was left with only item in his mother's handwriting, her lasagna recipe. Though Patricia's life could not be saved, donations to "Mom's Lasagna" will provide much needed funds to help future breast cancer sufferers. Each person donating at least $25.00 will receive a copy of this handwritten recipe, this biography of the late Patricia Keeling Schmidt and a copy of an article written about Patricia and her son Patrick in The Voice. It is with much pride and hope that each person who fixes this wonderful dish will remember Patricia's life, and know that each contribution moves us one step closer to finding a cure.

Highlands
502-583-9300

Charlotte Klein-Carter
Klein-Carter Professional
Writing Services
ckcwriter@yahoo.com
502-432-6609