USA 250: "America" 5-Panel Snapback Cap

Earlier this year, Jeff Schmid’s life changed quickly. After months of dealing with acid reflux, pneumonia and increasing fatigue, testing over Memorial Day weekend revealed a collapsed lung, anemia and a 10 cm growth in his esophagus. Further testing confirmed stage 4 cancer. Jeff was 58 years old.

Jeff has called Lancaster home since 2007, but his love for Western New York started when he came to Buffalo from Long Island to attend UB in 1985. He quickly became a Bills fan, drawn to the passion of a fanbase that stood behind a 2-14 team. Through every era since, Jeff has remained loyal, with Thurman Thomas as his all-time favorite Bill.

Jeff is an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clarence Center, where he has served as an Assistant Minister, taught Sunday School and helped with confirmation classes. He is also deeply involved with the Lancaster High School Marching Legends and Winter Guard, serving as co-VP of the Marching Band Boosters. At competitions, Jeff is easy to spot: he’s the guy wearing the cape. What started as a little fun with the band has become a symbol of his strength and fighting spirit.

Jeff’s first five chemotherapy treatments have gone well, but he knows the road ahead will be a long one. A father of six, Jeff has two goals firmly in his sights: continuing his lifelong quest to reach age 100, and being there to watch his youngest daughter graduate from high school in 2028.

This campaign is our chance to stand behind Jeff and his family as he continues the fight.

Growing up having a passion for crafts and sports, interning for 26 Shirts was the perfect fit for Del. 26 Shirts gives her the creative freedom to design Buffalo-based art while also giving back to the community that she was raised in. When she’s not in the office, you can find her crafting or playing volleyball with her fiancé.