The Power of Care
How UT Southwestern’s palliative care team supported a Texas state trooper’s final journey
Everyone knew Michael L. Schulze as “Mike.” Those closest to him called him “Mountain Man.” An officer with the Texas Department of Public Safety for more than 27 years, Mr. Schulze’s nickname stemmed from a life spent near Guadalupe Mountains National Park, close to Van Horn, Texas, where he made his home in the shadows of the Lone Star State’s four highest peaks. He was only 58 when he died last year, leaving behind his parents and brother as well as a wife and family that included 16 children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and stepgrandchildren.
When Mr. Schulze was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer at UT Southwestern Medical Center, his doctors assigned a palliative care team to help manage the severity of his disease.
Palliative care focuses on improving a patient’s quality of life. A care team often includes doctors, pharmacists, and other health care professionals who help treat the discomfort, symptoms, and stress of serious illness.
It can also include people like the Rev. Gina Biddle, a Supportive Palliative Care Staff Chaplain, who forged a bond with Mr. Schulze, offering words of encouragement and sharing small reminders of his faith, including a crocheted prayer shawl that helped keep him warm in his hospital bed.
Rev. Biddle recalled how Mr. Schulze was emotional nearly every time she visited “to listen to him, to love him, and to help him live the best life.” As his time grew short, she anointed him with oil.
When staff wheeled Mr. Schulze out of the hospital for his final trip home, Rev. Biddle told him she would be praying for him.
“Those were my last words to him, and then I cried,” she said.
Rev. Biddle’s spiritual care was a special source of comfort for Mr. Schulze and his entire family.
“Gina provided the most powerful spiritual healing Mike could have asked for,” said Lisa Schulze, Mr. Schulze’s widow. “He used that prayer shawl until his last breath. For me, Gina was my shoulder to cry on.”
The Schulze family was so touched by Mr. Schulze’s care that they made a philanthropic gift to UT Southwestern’s Supportive and Palliative Care Clinic to help ensure future families benefit from the same compassion and support they received.
“We were particularly indebted to UT Southwestern for having someone like Gina able to offer such highly personal care for Mike’s spiritual health,” said Gaynelle Schulze, Mr. Schulze’s mother.
The UT Southwestern palliative care team coordinated with a nearby hospital to ensure Mr. Schulze spent his final days at home in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. He was buried facing one of his favorite vistas.
“Mike loved the desert and mountains here,” said Mrs. Lisa Schulze. “I’m sure he is smiling from wherever he is.”
Learn more about UT Southwestern Palliative Care.
