Volume 19, Shirt 23: "Game Day Frights" Sticker

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.

The West Herr Auto Group is a proud partner of 26 Shirts, and the largest automotive dealer in New York. With 41 dealerships, 10 collision shops, 3 auto glass facilities, and an amazing team of over 3,000 hardworking Western New Yorkers, they can help you with all of your automotive needs.