Remembering Maggie Schmidt Of Greenlawn, Montauk: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

GREENLAWN, NY — September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Patch is remembering those lost to cancer and and honoring those who are fighting.

Maggie Schmidt, the daughter of Donna and Steve Schmidt, is remembered through her parents' foundation, Maggie's Mission. Donna discussed Maggie, her cancer battle and how her fight inspires Maggie’s Mission every day.

"We are fighting for cures for our daughter Maggie Schmidt, who we miss immensely every single day," Donna wrote. "Maggie was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive cancer in October 2016 - malignant rhabdoid tumors. She died less than 8 months later on June 1, 2017, just after her 17th birthday. Maggie LOVED children and asked us to help save other children suffering. Founded in September 2017, during pediatric cancer awareness month, Maggie's Mission has funded over $1 million in research to Memorial Sloan Kettering using Maggie’s actual tumors. We’ve also helped countless families on Long Island and beyond facing what our family did. Visit our organization to learn more. We miss you Maggie Schmidt. For always."

Click here to read a Q&A with Maggie's Mission co-founder Donna DeSousa Schmidt.

Maggie loved music, animals, athletics, surfing, riding horses, yoga, snowboarding, babies and children — and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donna previously told Patch.

Maggie, who lived in Greenlawn, had a special place in her heart for Montauk, where she made magical summer memories on her uncle’s boat at the Montauk Yacht Club and where she was thrilled to be in her uncle’s wedding party.

She loved spending time with her cousins in Montauk on the water, enjoying carefree summer days at the beach that sparkled with endless dreams.

Maggie's Mission holds its "Angelversary Gala" each year, raising money to help fund pediatric cancer research and donate to families in need.