A new nonprofit chapter is bringing comfort and hope to families facing the unimaginable. Project Fire Buddies has officially established a local chapter in Plymouth, with a board of directors made up of Plymouth firefighters dedicated to supporting children battling critical and terminal illnesses.
Founded in 2016, Project Fire Buddies funds special experiences to create lasting memories for families and helps cover costs associated with medical treatment. While the chapter is supported by the Plymouth Fire Department, Captain of the Volunteers Art Jacobs is clear that it operates as an independent nonprofit organization.
The first child to receive support from the Plymouth chapter is eight-year-old Claire Schmitt, daughter of Jordan and Cierra Schmitt and younger sister to Henry. In November, Claire was diagnosed with DIPG — Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma — a rare and terminal brain cancer with an average prognosis of approximately 12 months.
Just months before her diagnosis, Claire was a happy, energetic girl who loved playing and helping at her mom's coffee trailer. When she began experiencing headaches, dizziness, and double vision, her family had no idea what lay ahead. Within 24 hours of receiving her diagnosis, life changed completely for the Schmitts.
Since November, Claire has undergone radiation treatments at Duke University Hospital. While radiation cannot cure DIPG, it can sometimes slow the tumor's progression. In a recent development that has given her family renewed hope, Claire was accepted into a highly sought-after clinical trial for DIPG treatment after being removed from the waiting list.
Through Project Fire Buddies, Claire and her family will attend South Bend Cubs Cancer Awareness Night in June at no cost, and the organization will also help cover transportation expenses related to her clinical trial participation.
Over the past several months, her family has watched Claire endure changes no child should have to face. Her tumor has continued to grow faster than doctors typically see following radiation, and the family has witnessed shifts in her physical appearance, mobility, emotions, and mental health. Despite it all, Claire continues to show remarkable strength.
May 17 was DIPG Awareness Day — a day the Schmitt family wishes did not have to exist. Since Claire's diagnosis, they have connected with countless other families living through the same heartbreaking reality.
The Schmitts ask for continued prayers, support, and love as they focus on making every remaining moment as joyful and stress-free as possible. "Life is so unfair," they shared, "but our girl is so loved."
Plymouth Firefighter and board member Aaron Wagers encourages any local family with a child facing a critical or terminal illness to reach out to Project Fire Buddies for support. Contact the Plymouth Fire Department for more information.
Jamie Flury from the Pilot News provided all information for this article.
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