Drew Schmidt
2025 Scholarship Winner
University of Oklahoma – Aviation Flight Science
December 30th, 2009, is a day that changed my life forever but I didn’t quite know it yet. I was only 2 years old when my mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer and I had no idea what was truly going on. I knew she had “boo-boo’s” and I was told that the doctors “were keeping my mom healthy.” I saw her with bandages and limitations from a bilateral mastectomy and then a hysterectomy, but in time she physically healed. It wasn’t until January 7th, 2015, when my mom was diagnosed a second time that I knew the word cancer and began to understand my mom had cancer and it was back. She had a long road ahead of her consisting of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I was still only 8 years old, but chemo was one thing we all had get used to. Chemo took a huge toll on my mom’s health as her body did not tolerate it very well. I just remember it impacting her so much that she laid in bed all day sleeping or was violently nauseated for several days after treatments. When she was sleeping, I would sit in her room watching her to make sure she was breathing so I would know that I still had a Mom. I always wondered to myself “is she alive?” I loved her so much and didn’t want to lose her. It was terrifying.
The summer of 2015, we received word that we were selected to attend a Little Pink Houses of Hope Retreat in Lake Tahoe, CA. We did not take a summer vacation that year and it really was just what the doctor ordered. I was a little nervous to go because I didn’t know what to expect or how things were going to be. But that first night we arrived for the opening dinner, we were welcomed with open arms and it just felt like home. Being a part of this retreat was a remarkable experience and left us with lasting unforgettable memories. The months before we attended the retreat were some of the hardest months of my life. Staying together in a cabin in the woods, having family bonding time and enjoying new adventures together was what we all needed. All of the VolunSTARS and the schedule of activities was amazing. It felt like we had known everyone for years and everything just felt like family. We were spoiled, loved on and all the while being around others that are also experiencing cancer impacting their families. I could feel a sense of calm over both of my parents during the week. I feel the Little Pink Houses of Hope retreat made me and my family a stronger unit. One of my favorite memories of the trip was going kayaking on Lake Tahoe. It was the first time I ever kayaked and I loved it! There was a picture taken of us and our smiles show pure joy! It is still hanging up in our home reminding us of how lucky and grateful me and my family were to be apart of this great organization. There are no words to fully describe the impact LPHOH retreat had on me personally nor my family. It healed us as a family in ways we didn’t know existed. LP has also inspired my family to give back to others the way they gave to us. It is great to be loved on, but it also feels great to give to others.
As early as I remember, I have loved to fly, be in an airport and travel. I want to continue to pursue this love of flying and travel by becoming a commercial pilot. I want to continue my education after high school and pursue a degree in Aviation Flight Science. My career goal is to become a Captain for a major airline. I have been accepted into universities that have aviation programs. My top three choices are Western Michigan University, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Oklahoma. While I have been accepted to all three universities their aviation programs require a secondary application for flying spots. I am still waiting to hear where I will get offered a flying spot and then I can finalize my decision.