Our Story
The Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation was born out of the profound challenges we faced during Ryder’s fight against Heart Failure, CTEPH, and PVOD. Witnessing the emotional and financial strain on families like ours, we aim to provide support to children and young adults navigating rare diseases by offering hospital care packages and financial assistance for travel and medical costs.
We believe in the resilience of young adults facing rare diseases. We envision a world where they receive the care and support they need to thrive and pursue their dreams.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower patients and families facing chronic heart and/or lung conditions, as well as organ transplant candidates and/or recipients by sharing hard-won knowledge, offering practical resources, and building a strong peer support community. As a grassroots startup foundation, we focus first on small but meaningful comforts—helping parents stay by their child’s bedside—while advocating for early diagnosis, better treatments, greater awareness, and continued research. Step by step, we are working toward a future where no child, young person, or family has to navigate this life-altering journey alone.
Our Vision / Purpose
Born from a moment of profound crisis, the Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation exists to fill the gaps families face when a child or young adult is fighting a rare, life-threatening illness far from home. We provide comfort, practical support, and financial relief to families navigating transplants and complex medical systems that too often overlook their realities. Our purpose is simple and urgent: to restore dignity, stability, and hope when families are enduring some of the darkest hours of their lives.
Meet the Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
President
Ryder Schmidt
Hi! I serve as the President of the Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation. A little bit about me is I was diagnosed with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Failure in April of 2024. I became very critically unstable in August of 2024 requiring 8 lifesaving surgeries. I was discharged from Mayo Clinic in September of 2024 after being the 1st heart-double lung recipient of the calendar year. It was at this time I was also diagnosed with Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease. Outside of school I enjoy coaching soccer, surfing on the lake, working out, cooking, reading, and traveling! My prior career experience includes being a Store Manager for American Eagle, Visual Merchandising Manager for Lululemon, and an Emergency Room Technician.
Chairperson
Travis Schmidt
Hi! I serve as the Chairperson of the Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master's in Business Management. I bring 15 years of experience in the electric utility market. I am currently in my sixth year as General Manager of Moorhead Public Service and I serve on the Board of Missouri River Energy Services and Lake Agassiz Water Authority. I am a dedicated community member, and I engage with my sons by coaching soccer and hockey. I am committed to volunteerism and have contributed countless hours of local initiative services.
Vice Chairperson
Casey Schmidt
Hi! I serve as the Vice Chairperson of the Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. I have over 19 years of experience as a sales and marketing professional. Currently I serve as Category Director at Border States, I thrive in an ESOP environment where every team member is an employee owner. Fostering a culture of pride and accountability. Passionate about community engagement, I believe in the company's core value of "Do Good," and have been inspired by the support received through Ryder's challenging times. This experience motivates me to be committed to giving back to families in need.
Secretary
Shar Arvig
Hi! I serve as the Secretary of the Schmidt Healing Hearts Foundation. My work career consisted of working as a paralegal for a small law firm; administrative assistant/human resource manager for a rural commercial communications company; and as a Member Relations Manager for a national rural communications association. After 30+ years, I retired about 6 years ago. I enjoy being with family, the outdoors, painting, and traveling.