ST. LOUIS — A local woman is collecting birthday cards for her dad, who hasn’t been able to leave his home since March due to the COVID-19 virus.
Julia Bietsch said her dad, Mike Schmidt, is turning 68 on July 1. Schmidt is a veteran of the Vietnam War and has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
He hasn’t been able to leave his house since mid-March because the virus would be deadly for him, Bietsch told 5 On Your Side.
She said feeling isolated from the rest of the world has been really hard for him. He misses doing the things he was still able to do, like going to church on Sunday, eating out at restaurants and cheering on his St. Louis Cardinals.
So for his birthday this year, she wanted to do something special to show him support during this difficult time.
Bietsch asked his loved ones to send him birthday cards.
At first her goal was only 68 but thanks to friends, family and total strangers – they now have more than 200 people committed to sending cards.
Bietsch said her dad is her superhero.
“He never missed a single band, choir, dance, or theater event. He put up with me learning how to play the saxophone and singing Italian in the shower. He cheered louder than any other parent in the stands,” she said.
She said her dad is a proud Marine and deserves so much more than she can give him.
“I’m hoping that my collection of birthday cards makes his birthday a little brighter.”
If you’re interested in sending Schmidt a birthday card, you can mail one to Bietsch at 12412 Leigh Lane, Maryland Heights, Mo. 63043.
More Feature Stories
- PHOTOS: Kindergartners' adorable reactions to their teacher's wedding dress
- Olive + Oak launches first canned beer in honor of owners' son who passed away
- Garth Brooks ‘drive-in experience’ coming to St. Louis area
- These St. Louis area fairs have been canceled this year
- 'Thank you to the officer for giving them a chance': Ellisville police officer rescues fawns after mom hit by car
- A mother and daughter’s act of kindness in Ferguson leads to life-changing moment for Walmart greeter
