Introducing our newest Southside Hero, Randy Schmitz. Randy is bravely battling stage 4 brain cancer for the second time. A decade ago, he faced the same diagnosis after experiencing a seizure while on vacation. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor and enjoyed ten years of being cancer-free, during which he pursued his career as a special education teacher, married his soulmate, Amanda, and became a proud father to two amazing children, Autumn and Landon.
Unfortunately, regular MRI screenings revealed a recurrence. In December 2024, he had another tumor removed. By April 2025, he completed his radiation therapy. After that, he started a 6-month chemotherapy regimen. He was having MRI scans every 6 to 8 weeks. However, during the fourth month of chemotherapy, a new tumor appeared. This tumor was situated behind the previous ones and grew rapidly in just two months. It started on the left side of the brain and spread to the right side. Sadly, surgery was no longer an option; he had reached the maximum radiation limit for that area, had an allergic reaction to immunotherapy, and despite being on chemotherapy, the tumor still developed and grew quickly.
Although there is no cure, Randy, along with his wife and their two young children, are cherishing their time together. Next on their agenda is to check off a significant bucket list item: seeing Universal Monsters at Epic. This family truly deserves this trip and a chance to escape from cancer, even if just for a moment.
The Schmitz family embraces each day as it arrives, cherishing and honoring every little moment, discovering their strength, and keeping in mind that this illness does not define them.
Photos taken by Photography by Angel
