Apryle Schmidt was a beautiful, vibrant woman, wife, and mother who at 37 years old, learned that she had stage 4 breast cancer. Apryle and her new husband (the love of her life), Bill, had to navigate the terrible diagnosis and the devastating treatment while trying to live and function as a “normal family” with their children.

During her treatment, Apryle was given a lovely gift, a weekend in a condo on the beach, her favorite place. Apryle was still trying to come to grips with her new life, her change in appearance, and deal with her personal grief over her diagnosis. This time at the beach where she could escape for a few days allowed her to mentally and spiritually process her situation. The weekend retreat gave her the much-needed break from her new reality to form a new perspective. She was able to gain confidence and find peace to fight on boldly and accept herself in her new form.

As Apryle continued her treatment journey, she realized that there was a need for an organization to offer love and blessings to cancer patients who may or may not have children at home. It is very difficult to raise children and hide your own suffering in order to protect them. Out of this personal experience, the idea for Apryle Showers was born and the demographic of those she wanted to help was identified.

After a long period of treatment, Apryle’s breast cancer spread to her brain, spine and bones. She made the courageous decision to cease treatment and spend her precious time with her family and devoted her energy to this organization’s creation. We lost our Angel on Monday, August 3, 2015. She left behind her beloved husband, daughter, stepdaughter, family, friends and countless people she inspired. But her contagious spirit lives on in the sharing of love and hope in the services and mission of Apryle Showers.