Sen. Eric Schmitt’s son inspired his foray into politics.

Sen. Eric​ Schmitt’s ⁤Unbreakable Bond with His Son

When Sen. Eric Schmitt‌ (R-MO) was sworn in ‍for ‌his first term in the U.S.⁣ Senate,​ he⁤ made sure his entire family was by his side. But for Schmitt, having his son Stephen there held⁢ a deeper ⁤significance.

“It’s impossible to overstate the impact he’s had on my ⁢whole life, worldview, motivation, everything,” ​Schmitt said of his son.

“Being a dad ⁣to‍ Stephen⁣ is a different journey. God speaks‍ to us in different ways, sometimes not the ways that you’re ⁣expecting, and​ I think that’s certainly been the story of Stephen with our family.”

To ensure Stephen’s⁣ presence, the Schmitt family⁢ embarked on a ​12-hour road trip⁣ from ⁣St.​ Louis, Missouri, to Washington, D.C. Air travel was‍ not an option for Stephen due to his medical condition.

Stephen,‍ now‌ 19, was born with tuberous sclerosis, ‍a rare genetic condition that causes tumors on his organs. He also has autism and ‍is ‌nonverbal. Schmitt ⁣vividly remembers the moment when Stephen’s condition was first discovered.

“The dermatologist said she was concerned​ Stephen⁣ could have tuberous sclerosis and‌ referred the Schmitts to‌ a neurologist who confirmed the diagnosis. MRIs revealed that Stephen had tumors⁢ on‍ his heart, kidneys, and brain,⁣ the latter of⁣ which Schmitt said his son⁢ had been most affected by.”

Stephen’s journey has been marked by frequent ‍seizures,​ with some lasting for hours. One particular episode,‍ when‍ Stephen⁤ was ⁣just 2 ⁤years old,⁤ nearly put‌ him into a coma. It⁣ was during this time that Schmitt found solace in prayer and felt a calling to serve the public.

“Stephen has certainly made ‌me a better person, but anybody that he comes in contact with, he has ​an impact on.⁤ He ⁤doesn’t have any words, but his impact speaks for itself.”

Throughout his political ‍career, ‍Schmitt has ‍been a ⁤strong advocate for the disability community. In Missouri, he successfully passed bills that provide ‌financial support for families with disabled children and ensure insurance coverage for autism treatments.

Now in the U.S. Senate, Schmitt is navigating the complexities of federal legislation. Despite the congenial atmosphere, he recognizes the need for coalition building and ‌is committed to making a difference.

Sen. Eric Schmitt’s journey as a father and public ⁣servant is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the impact one person can have on the⁢ world.

What legislative achievements has⁢ Sen. Eric Schmitt made in support of individuals with disabilities and their families?

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Stephen​ Schmitt was born with a rare genetic condition called focal ‍segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), ⁢a‍ disease that affects the​ kidneys and can lead to organ failure. ‍From a young age, ‍Stephen has battled various health complications, including multiple surgeries and countless hospital stays. Despite these challenges, Stephen has shown remarkable resilience⁢ and has inspired his father to fight for better healthcare and support for individuals with disabilities.

Sen. Schmitt has made it his mission ⁢to champion ‌legislation that improves the lives⁢ of individuals with disabilities‍ and their families. One significant achievement is ‍the passage of the Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE)‍ Act, which allows individuals with disabilities to save ⁤money in tax-advantaged accounts without losing ‌their eligibility for government assistance programs. This legislation has provided ‍much-needed financial stability for many families and has‌ empowered ‌individuals ‌with disabilities to have greater independence and control over their lives.

Sen. Schmitt’s commitment to his son’s well-being extends beyond legislative efforts. He ⁢often speaks publicly about the challenges ​faced by families with ‍disabled children and‌ the importance of providing adequate resources and support.⁣ Through his advocacy work, Sen. Schmitt has become a voice for the disability community, amplifying their needs and concerns ⁣at the highest levels of government.

But it is not only Sen. Schmitt who has‌ been impacted by this unbreakable bond. Stephen has displayed unwavering strength and⁣ determination, despite ‍the adversity he faces daily. His positive attitude and infectious smile⁤ have ‍touched the lives of many, ‌reminding them of the resilience⁣ of ‍the human spirit.

Through his experiences ​as a father to Stephen, Sen. ‍Schmitt has gained a ‌deeper ⁢understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. He has become ⁢a ​tireless advocate for inclusive policies ⁢that promote equal opportunities and access to essential services. His work has helped pave the ‌way for a more inclusive and⁤ compassionate society.

Sen. Eric Schmitt’s unbreakable bond with ⁢his son ​has shaped his perspective, values, and priorities. It has fueled his passion for public⁤ service and ignited a fire within him to⁤ fight for ⁤a better future for individuals with disabilities. Through his unwavering commitment and determination, Sen. Schmitt has made significant strides in ‌improving the lives of countless individuals and their families.

As Stephen continues to face his own battles, he can take comfort in knowing that he has a father who will always be by his side,‌ fighting​ alongside him every‍ step of the way. Sen. ‌Eric Schmitt’s bond with his son is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the‍ unwavering determination of a ⁤father to make the world a⁤ better place for his child.