Darren Mark Schmidt

SCHMIDT, DARREN MARK passed away peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital, on February 22, 2006 following a recent, severe relapse of his illness. Darren was born on July 29, 1983 in Kelowna, BC. He attended South Rutland Elementary and Rutland Senior Secondary Schools. Following graduation in 2001, he entered into cook training apprenticeship course and worked at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club. Darren was diagnosed with a very rare cancer (Sarcoma) on November 19, 2002. He had major surgeries done at Vancouver General Hospital and chemotherapy over the past two years. Despite a poor prognosis, he never gave up hope and tried alternative therapies as well. He showed tremendous strength and dignity throughout his illness. Recently, he wanted his story told and it appeared in the Capital News on Sunday, January 29, 2006. Darren is survived by his loving parents, Darlene and Rick Schmidt of Kelowna, BC, sister Kristin Schmidt of Kelowna, BC and brother Ryan (Lorrie) Schmidt of Abbotsford, BC; aunts and uncles, Don and Carol Schmidt of Kelowna, BC, Anne and Gail Randall of Regina, SK; and Jan and Ron Sivak of Surrey, BC. Also many cousins and friends. He was predeceased by grandparents Louie and Phyllis Schmidt, Max and Mary Gabrysh and uncle Tom Schmidt. Also predeceased by his best friend Brett Babcock. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 750 Rutland Road, N., Kelowna, Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. Inurnment to follow in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com Darren’s wish was that people who are able to, donate blood to Canadian Blood Services, 103-1865 Dilworth Drive, Kelowna. Donations can also be made to the Terry Fox Foundation, Sarcoma Research 2669 Shaughnessy St., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 3G7. Funeral arrangements entrusted to VALLEYVIEW FUNERAL HOME (250) 765-3147.

God saw you getting tired,

The cure was not to be

So He closed His arms around you

And whispered “Come to Me”

You suffered much in silence

Your spirit did not bend

You faced your pain with courage

Until the very end.

You tried so hard to stay with us

Your fight was all in vain

God took you to his loving home

And freed you from all pain.

Never does a day go by

That we don’t think of you

A lump forms deep within my chest

And the tears begin to flow

So many times I’ve needed you

To talk, to share, to laugh

If love would have saved you

You never would have died.

Jan 29 2006

Cancer treatment progress hasn't helped local man

By Jennifer Smith staff reporter

This year when the 25th anniversary of the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope passed with all the news about advances made for osteosarcoma patients, local cancer patient Darren Schmidt watched with a heavy heart.

On death's door for the umpteenth time since his diagnosis with a rare form of sarcoma first located in his kidney in November, 2002, Darren and his mother, Darlene, couldn't help but think how much more needs to be done.

"When we saw his story...there's a lot of talk about how 25 years later people are being cured. Well not all are being cured. In fact, Darren's story is very similar to Terry's. His is a sarcoma, it's very aggressive and there's no cure for it," said Darlene.

Locked in a knockout round with another of the infections that send him to emergency after every chemotherapy round suffering excruciating pain, Darren hadn't the time to think about telling his story during the September anniversary.

His efforts concentrated on waiting for his methadone to ease the knots in his body. He had just decided to continue with treatments, despite a terminal diagnosis and knowing more pain lay in wait.

"I don't want to die yet," said the young man who spent Christmas in a touch-and-go period. His sister and parents missed his brother's wedding that time-doctors felt he would not survive the week.

Sarcomas are cancers of connective or supportive tissue-bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels. Diagnosed at 19-years-old, Darren's cancer is so rare it does not have a specific name and there hasn't been much time to raise awareness.

"He's been so sick through all of this and its always been so critical...there's no point in even talking about the size (of tumors) or numbers or anything because they keep telling you you only have so long to live..all you can think about is the here and now," said Darlene.

Finally Darren has something to say.

"Everyday ordinary people are going through these things and yet the only ones we seem to hear about are the high profile ones and then you hear all about their type of cancer," he said, noting when Sindy Hawkins got sick she was flown to Vancouver for treatment immediately.

Darren's experiences have been different.

He became so sick waiting for one life saving surgery-Darren was the sixth person in the world to have his inferior venacava (the main vein drawing blood from the lower body back to the heart) replaced, and had 80 per cent of his liver removed at the same time-he was admitted to Kelowna General Hospital experiencing liver failure, his stomach bloated, his skin yellowing.

At his lowest point, Darren weighed just 107 lbs.

Today his weight has rebounded to 145 lbs. and the 22-year-old looks better than he has since his diagnosis, thanks to a combination of protein powder and more vitamins than he can count.

This round of chemotherapy is the first time he hasn't suffered life threatening infections-a result he attributes to some alternative therapies he's trying.

Darren's has had his struggles with the medical system, but says his chief complaint is that for all the moneys raised toward cancer, those who are sick enough to need overnight hospital visits, can't benefit from the use of the Centre for the Southern Interior: B.C. Cancer Agency.

"All the money that's poured into cancer. Kelowna has this big cancer clinic that's only open Monday to Friday 8 (a.m.) to 4 (p.m.).

"Those patients who have to have anything in-patient overnight have to be admitted to the hospital. On the 4B ward they have six beds awarded to the cancer patients, but because it's always backed up, rarely has there ever been a bed for him," said Darlene.

For Darren that means seeing other patients kicked out into the hallway so he can have his treatment, even sitting in a storage room, once, hooked up to his intravenous drugs-the family told the hospital they would just return the next day.

For their part, the Cancer Agency of the Southern Interior said the province has chosen to go another way with cancer treatment.

"As an ambulatory centre within a provincial oncology setting, 95 per cent of our patients are ambulatory. We don't facilitate in-patient units within our facility and that really speaks to what's required in an in-patient unit. We think about the number of people who would actually be staying in an in-patient unit in a centre, it's just not an approach we've taken in B.C. And that's standard within the clinics in Surrey, Victoria..." said Sandra Broughton, spokes person for the centre.

Darren said he isn't looking for money, but does want people to see what's happening, know it isn't easy, and maybe get out there and donate some blood.

"Donating blood is literally life-saving. Until you see all this and deal with it there isn't the awareness," he said, his mother noting they could never donate enough to replace the amount he's used.

And then there's Darren.

Despite all the heart ache, rounds of chemotherapy, doctors discouraging him from continuing his fight, Darren keeps going back to the hospital.

"Nobody is saying there's a cure, we've done a lot of reading and what we've learned, (is that) there's a few people who beat the odds against all odds...Nobody knows why, but we hang on to the hope that a miracle can happen. It's a miracle in itself that he's survived the last two years and today he's actually looking pretty healthy and the chemo is apparently working," said his mother.

Eulogy- Written by Darlene Schmidt

Good Morning,

We are here to celebrate and honour the life of Darren Mark Schmidt, our son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. Darren was born on July 29th 1983, the youngest of our three children, following Kristin and Ryan. He lived here in Rutland, B.C., first on Stetson Street until the age of nine, then on Toovey Road until the present. He was baptized and attended communion here at St. Theresa’s Church. He attended preschool, elementary school at South Rutland, and Rutland Senior Secondary School, graduating in 2001. Darren was a happy, energetic, curious child. Fun-loving with a sense of humour. Persistent when he wanted something. Always a character with a dramatic flair. He enjoyed most sports, especially swimming, bowling, and golfing. During his teen years, he joined the Kelowna Springs Golf Club youth program. Darren followed, and was knowledgeable about hockey, baseball and basketball. His favorite teams being the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Blue Jays, and Toronto Raptors. He was a great Canucks fan, a highlight being when he was able to attend games, at Canada Place. Recently he had his room decorated in Canuck colours and memorabilia.

Darren was very close to his grandparents, spending time with them, learning from them and helping them. He inherited his love of cooking from his Grandma Schmidt, and his Dad, and would cook for Grandma Gabrysh. He spent many hours playing crib with Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt, and his brother and sister.

In his later years of high school, Darren took cooking classes, and prepared to enter a cook-training apprenticeship. He started the apprenticeship at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club, under Chiefs Ted and Jerry. He enjoyed learning and creating in cooking, and did very well. He was in his 2nd year when he became ill. He was able to go back for another 4 months the following year.

Darren enjoyed his increased independence after high school, and had future plans to travel and work in Australia or Mexico. He was also interested in a career in firefighting. Most of all, Darren enjoyed spending time with his friends, especially with his best friend Brett, whom he knew most of his life. Many of his other friends he knew since elementary school.

It came as a big shock when he was diagnosed with a kidney tumour on November 19th 2002. Hopeful of a cure after surgery, none the less, he stated he needed to “come to terms with death”. Talking and expressing his emotions openly, so began the long, roller-coaster ride of coping with the loss of his health, life as he knew it, and uncertainty of his future. Though he had periods of despair, his attitude was optimistic overall, always maintaining hope. Miraculously, he did beat the odds, time after time, especially over the past two years. Rarely did he display self-pity. His motto was, “you can only play the hand you’ve dealt in life, deal with it!”

As a young adult, he displayed a strength of character, wisdom and maturity beyond his years. Strong-willed, persistent in his beliefs, making his own treatment decisions, living each day to the fullest, especially recently. He showed concern for others, and his family. He decided to sponsor a child in Paraguay and make a difference in his life.

What Darren wanted others to know, was to “live life to the fullest, as it can be short. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and don’t take things for granted, and look after your health.” He encouraged everyone who was able to donate blood, as it is lifesaving.

Darren was devastated when his best friend, Brett, died suddenly almost three years ago – then comforted to know, that he would be there with him, should he die. He grew spiritually and did not fear death. He believed that he would go on to a better place, and we can be at peace now, knowing that he has. Darren, your Dad and I have loved you dearly, as have your siblings, extended family and friends. We will all miss you a lot. Your purpose in this life is now completed, and may you rest in peace, free from pain and spiritually whole.

HE AIN’T HEAVY HE’S MY BROTHER (lyrics by Neil Diamond)

The road is long with many awaiting turns

That lead us to who knows where

Who knows where

But I’m strong, strong enough to carry him

He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

So long we go

His welfare is my concern

No burden is he to bare, we’ll get there

For I know he would not encumber me

He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

If I’m laden at all,

I am laden with sadness that everyone’s heart isn’t filled with the gladness

I am alone for one and other

It’s so long long road

From there is no return

While we’re on the way to live why not share

And the load doesn’t weigh me down at all

He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

He’s my brother

He ain’t heavy

He’s my brother

He’s my brother

He ain’t heavy

He’s my brother………….

God saw you getting tired,

When a cure was not to be,

So he closed his arms around you

And whispered “Come to Me.”

You did not deserve what you went through

And so He gave you rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful,

He only takes the best.

And when he saw you sleeping,

So peaceful and free from pain,

We could not wish you back,

To suffer that again.