Community wraps its arms around Oakdale family after dad suffers traumatic injuries in crash

Neighbors, friends and strangers alike are opening their wallets for an Oakdale family navigating a real-life nightmare.

Michael Schmid, 51, remains in critical condition after a car accident left him facing multiple surgeries — and neighbors are stepping up for his wife and three kids.

Schmid suffered traumatic injuries in a car accident Friday, Aug. 21, Suffolk Police said. A GoFundMe campaign organized on Wednesday by family friend Evangeline Dowd notes that the father is in critical condition and will need multiple surgeries.

Police said Schmid was driving a 2021 Dodge Ram south on Riverview Court at 1:22 p.m. when he lost control of the truck. Schmid was ejected from the vehicle when the truck left the road and hit several trees.

Schmid, a real estate agent and mortgage broker who sells homes across Long Island, is being treated at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore. His family said that he faces a long, difficult recovery.

Schmid’s wife, Kelly, is now splitting her attention between her husband’s bedside and their three children — Michael, Kennedy and Leighton — while trying to hold the household together, Dowd said.

“Their world has been turned upside down. With Michael expected to be out of work for a while, this family is now facing not only the emotional weight of his injuries, but also the growing stress of everyday expenses,” Dowd wrote.

Huge community support for the Schmids

“The funds raised will help cover medical bills and living expenses so Kelly and the kids can focus on Michael’s recovery instead of worrying about how to keep up with everything at home,” she added.

The comunity response has been swift. In less than a week, the campaign has drawn 191 donations from family, friends and strangers, pushing the total raised past $25,000.

“Your support, prayers, and kindness will mean so much to Michael and his family as they face the difficult days ahead,” Dowd wrote.