Bubba Schmidt

We never imagined cancer would become part of our family’s story. Bubba was just two days shy of his second birthday when our world shattered—Stage 4 cancer. At 2½ years old, he should be chasing bubbles, giggling through playdates, and learning new words every day. Instead, he’s fighting for his life.

We are a military family. My husband serves as an active-duty Navy nuclear instructor at Joint Base Charleston. When we moved to South Carolina for his orders, I was seven months pregnant with Bubba. Life felt full of promise. I left behind a 20-year career in the casino industry to embrace being a full-time mom and wife. I never imagined that role would expand to “personal nurse” for my baby.

Bubba and his little brother, Chubba, were both born at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital—a place we thought would hold only happy memories. Now, it’s our lifeline. Six months into this battle, cancer has flipped our world upside down. Ports, chemo, fevers at 3 a.m., and hospital stays have replaced bedtime stories and playgrounds. Bubba fights through it all with a spirit that humbles us—go, go, go, even when his body says stop. He wants to play, laugh, and be independent, even when cancer tries to steal those moments.
We have four kids. Jared, 20, lives with autism and health challenges but loves cooking for the family when he feels well. Alisa, 11, is our bold, charismatic girl who treats her brothers like gold. Chubba, just nine months old, is Bubba’s biggest fan—always smiling, babbling, and cheering him on. And then there’s Luna, our sweet family dog, who never leaves Bubba’s side.

Cancer didn’t just hit Bubba—it hit all of us. We juggle my husband’s demanding schedule, school runs, doctor visits, and endless hospital trips. But through it all, we fight to keep Bubba’s childhood magical. Cancer sucks, but his childhood doesn’t have to. We make every laugh, every ride, every bite count.

What’s the bright side of childhood cancer? Kindness. The kindness of strangers, neighbors, and friends who leave meals on our porch, send cards, and surprise Bubba with gifts. Kindness is our flashlight in the dark—it lights the way when everything feels impossible.

Bubba is more than a patient. He’s a warrior, a joy-bringer, and the heartbeat of our family. We will fight for his childhood, for his laughter, and for his life—every single day.
—Kristen Schmidt, Bubba’s Mom

Little things that’ll brighten chemo days: anything blue, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse gear, blue trucks, ride-ons – wheels optional – Magna Tiles, learning toys, Lindor milk-chocolate truffles, sometimes he shares. All gifts go towards go-go-go… all the way to the cure. Remember riding and playing fuels his fight.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/28AVZV52LYUP?ref_=wl_share
- Shirt Size: 5T or kids size 5/6
- Pant Size: 5T or kids size 5/6
- Shoe Size: 1