Mary Schaff - Bio
Mary Schaff is an ardent advocate and spokesperson for education and awareness for sleep apnea. She first became involved in sleep apnea in 2015 following the untimely death of her husband, John Schaff, who had unknowingly suffered from sleep apnea for many years. John passed away shortly after his diagnosis. Sleep apnea was listed as a contributing cause of death on John’s death certificate.
Mary is dedicated to generating conversations about sleep apnea – among potential sufferers and their families, and physicians. It is Mary’s hope that by sharing her story, others will begin to connect the dots and get treatment for this common, under recognized and highly treatable disease.
In her advocacy, Mary has partnered with Cleveland Clinic and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation to support patient and physician education and awareness for sleep apnea.
Mary has developed a relationship with sleep expert, Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, DO, MS, director emeritus of the Sleep Disorders Center at Cleveland Clinic, and has joined Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer at various forums to share her story. Through Mary’s support the Cleveland Clinic developed a free mobile app that helps patients to become and stay informed about sleep apnea and connect with a local sleep center as needed, ultimately allowing for best possible care and outcomes. The Cleveland Clinic also has been developing a continuing medical education series on sleep disorders for primary healthcare providers.
For many years, Mary has hosted the John H. Schaff Platform Tennis Classic, an annual paddle tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Donations from the winter fundraiser support the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Respiratory Program to advance research and education on sleep disorders.