By Dixon Bledsoe
It’s painfully ironic – a disease that occurs in one out of a million people has struck “a one in a million person.”
That’s how a co-worker describes Judy Schmidt, director of volunteer services for Silverton Health.
One in a million.
In September, Schmidt, whose decades of devoted community service has led to near iconic status in Silverton, was diagnosed with Creuztfelt-Jacob Disease (CJD).
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, “CJD is a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder. It affects about one person in every one million people per year worldwide; in the United States there are about 300 cases per year.” It is a debilitating disease that can affect speech, accelerate dementia and limit mobility. It is not treatable and is terminal.
Now, family and friends are focused on this remarkable woman, what she has accomplished, and how best to help her at this critical time.
Married 46 years, Bill and Judy Schmidt are parents of Bridget, Cody, Natalie, and Brooke, who passed away as an infant. They are grandparents to seven, great-grandparents to two. When asked her greatest achievement and what makes her most proud, Judy replies, “My family. They are wonderful.”
The feeling is mutual.
Bill shared a story about how they met. “In 1967, I saw this beautiful girl at the Salem Armory during The Doors concert and thought I knew who she was. We danced – she asked me – and had an instant connection, but I grew uncomfortable because I thought I knew she had a boyfriend serving in Viet Nam. After the dance, I stepped back and asked her how her boyfriend was doing overseas. She told me her name was Judy Hagedorn and she was not attached. That was 46 years ago, and she is still beautiful and a wonderful person.”
Judy has lost much of her ability to walk and talk, but she is still sharp, it just takes time to get out the words. As Bill talks about his wife and her unique ability to hug everyone, make people feel good and not hurt their feelings, Judy immediately gives a huge smile and quips, “Oh, yes, doctor, I would love to have that third spinal tap.” The moment was priceless, and so in character for the woman who has done so much for Silverton.
Schmidt was named Silverton’s First Citizen for 2002. She was essentially the founder of Silverton Together, an award-winning group that has helped hundreds of children and their families. She has served on many boards, from Kiwanis to the Silver Falls Family YMCA. As a city councilor she was a leading advocate for the creation of the Silverton Skate Park, which opened one year ago. The Silverton City Council will discuss naming the park after Schmidt at its Oct. 6 meeting.
Jason Franz, owner of Fall Line Sports, had been trying to establish a skate park since 2003.
“Judy has always been there encouraging me to work for the park, through thick and thin times, and always volunteered to help out even though she was helping out with so many other groups. She is an asset to the Silverton community more than most people will ever know,” he said.
Over the years Judy’s warm, infectious smile lit up the scene as she cheered runners at the Silverton Hospital Fun Run, danced with the Bed Pan Brigade in the Homer Davenport Parade, and enjoyed the Silverton High Homecoming festivities.
Bill Winters, retired President and CEO of Silverton Health, worked with Judy for years.
“Judy comes into the room and it lights up with a glow in the room. In my 46 years in this medical profession, she is the best advocate for Silverton Health and the Silverton Hospital Auxiliary I have ever seen,” he said. “She has kept that group on the top shelf for years and they have won awards under her stewardship. Judy is a phenomenal visionary for Silverton Health and Silverton. She is a loyal, dedicated, very smart and good friend that makes a difference.”
Current Silverton Health President and CEO Rick Cagen echoed that sentiment. “She is, simply put, an amazing woman. She is and has been a key part of the face, spirit, and voice of Silverton Health. It is so sad but our best wishes go out to Judy and her family.”
There is a stack of greeting cards on the fireplace in the Schmidt home overlooking Silver Creek. The freezer is packed with everything from lasagna to breakfast burritos from friends. As Bill will attest, “We are probably good for now, but we appreciate the thought so very much.”
This is a difficult time for the family. Judy has been an absolute rock, the glue that keeps the close-knit Schmidt family strong. But this is still a love story about a wife, mom, and grandmother.
When Bill brought his wife home from the hospital Sept. 17 after learning that there was nothing else medicine could do, they talked for a long time and he put her to bed. Early Thursday morning, when she awoke, she asked him, “What day is this?” When he told her it was Thursday, he was caught off guard when his wife quickly exclaimed, “Time for the Kiwanis meeting. “ He lovingly replied, “Well, get your butt out of bed. Let’s go to the meeting.” And they did, although it took some time due to a series of wardrobe changes and the hairdressing / makeup shortcomings of a doting husband.
About her husband, Judy smiles at him and says, “He is an amazing man.” Bill smiles back and replies gently, “I’m the one who won the lottery 47 years ago at The Doors concert.”
A banner is going up on the Silverton Community Center that says it all. “Thank You, Judy Schmidt, for all you do. Silverton Loves You.”
That it does.
