Meet the Board
Jennifer Schmidt - President
Married to my husband Adam in Oct 2007. We have three children; Rylan, Brayden and Alexis. And our very patient yellow lab named Sadie. We moved to Waunakee in 2015 because of the school district, for Rylan. Everything I have always done was with Rylan in mind. He taught me how fun running can actually be. That now has become my therapy but also my time to bond with my buddy. And of course our other two children and dog keep us busy as well.
Adam Schmidt - Vice President & treasurer
Married to my beautiful wife Jennifer and as she stated we have three amazing children. Rylan was the first to enter our lives back in 2009 and took us down a path we had never imagined. When planning for my first child I never thought about the possibility of having a child that would require extensive round the clock care. Rylan taught me so much about life and the importance of taking the time to be thankful for what I have been given. It’s so easy to take for granted many things in our everyday life that we can do or have and we don’t even realize it. This little boy even inspired me to run my first Full Marathon! It is in his honor we have created this foundation to help as many other amazing families as we can.
Kristin Schmidt - Secretary
I met my husband, Michael Schmidt (Adam’s brother), in May 2009. On our first date Mike proudly shown me a photo of his month old nephew, Rylan, wearing his bilirubin glasses. With Rylan as my guide, I finished graduate school in 2013 obtaining my Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling, specializing in adaptive art process with children birth through seven with disabilities.
My free time consists of connecting with others and giving back to the community through running and triathlon. Sport is where our family first found an outlet that brought out Rylan’s bright spirit. Since that first run, we have been hooked!
Mike & I have two teddy bear pups, Reggie & Penny, and take pride in being an awesome uncle and aunt to our nephews and nieces.
Mike Schmidt - Technology
I have been married to my wife Kristin since October 2011 and we have 2 crazy teddy bear puppies. I graduated from UW-Platteville with a degree in Computer Science and I am now a Software Developer.
Ever since Rylan participated in his first race he was hooked. And after seeing him finish his first race with my brother and my wife I knew that I had to start running so I could run a race with Rylan. I began running and training for a race I never thought I could complete, but one year later I crossed the finish line of a half marathon right along side Rylan.
Michelle Vanda Hey -
Social Media
While playing collegiate volleyball I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Management and graduated in 2007. Although my background isn’t in nursing or care taking, my passion for helping people called to me when Jennifer (my sister) and Adam asked me to be Rylan’s primary caregiver when he was 2 years old. I never envisioned myself caring for kids for a living, but it ended up being a perfect fit for me. I got to experience most of Rylan’s therapies and services he received first hand and know what a difference they made for him as well as his family.
Rylan made a huge impact on my life. Watching him run races and being his biggest cheerleader for years finally got to me and I became a runner in 2016 so we could bond on another level. Unfortunately, we never got that chance to physically run a race together, but every time I run I know he is with me. I know why he loved it so much. Running makes me feel free, clears my mind and pushes me physically and mentally. Rylan completely changed the direction of my life and I am so grateful for that.
My husband, Jarrod and I have been married since 2009. We have a puggle and daughter and are patiently waiting for our second child through adoption.