Tadd Schwab: A Caregiver’s Commitment to a Cure

Sandy Schwab and her husband Tadd were shocked when Sandy was diagnosed with glaucoma at the age of 42. Tadd shared: “Little did we know the disease can strike people of any age, even our children and grandchildren.”

As Sandy’s husband and caregiver, Tadd has been by her side every step of the way with her medications, doctor’s appointments, and several surgeries: “Sandy and I have been married 46 years. I see what she goes through every day. I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure she keeps her eyesight.”

But Tadd wanted to do even more to help his wife and future generations, so he began to raise funds to support Glaucoma Research Foundation.

He learned about our research programs from Sandy’s doctor, Douglas Kohl, MD, who also serves as a GRF Ambassador and encourages his patients to utilize our educational resources.

Using our online giving platform, Tadd launched a peer-to-peer campaign, made his own generous gift of $5,000, and then emailed his friends and family to share Sandy’s story and asked them to match his contribution. And they did! Since this was a special surprise for his wife, when Sandy found out what her loved ones did in her honor, she was incredibly touched.

Now in her 60’s Sandy does have some vision loss but is able to drive and loves gardening, travelling, and most of all, her grandchildren. Tadd added, “while Sandy is doing well, we both know her condition could deteriorate at any moment and I was inspired to give back including raising funds for the world’s top glaucoma research organization. They are the best shot at a cure.”

Our sincere thanks to Tadd and Sandy, as well as all our donors for their unwavering support and commitment to a future free from glaucoma.

To learn more about doing your own online fundraising campaign, visit our Fundraise for GRF page, or email Katherine Grillo at Glaucoma Research Foundation.

Posted on April 5, 2024.