At Childers, Schlueter & Smith, the pursuit of justice has always extended beyond the courtroom. It means standing alongside our clients, colleagues, and community in battles that truly matter. Few stories capture this spirit more than that of CSS Firm Partner Richard Schlueter and his wife and CSS Firm team member, Michelle Schlueter, who have turned their personal struggle with cancer into a public mission for change.
From Patient to Advocate
After Richard was diagnosed with stage-4 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, he went through conventional treatment and eventually began experimental treatment at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). There, Richard and Michelle encountered not just cutting-edge medicine but extraordinary compassion and commitment.
“The hospital is unbelievable. It is a magical, magical place,” Michelle shared. “We call it the National Institutes of Hope.”
But their journey was not without setbacks. Because of a delay in Richard’s treatment—caused by federal budget cuts—his cancer spread, bringing a myriad of additional challenges. That painful experience underscored a larger truth: budget decisions in Washington can have real-life or death consequences for patients.
Rallying for Medical Research
In September 2025, Richard and Michelle brought their story to Capitol Hill during the 13th Rally for Medical Research. Wearing buttons that read “National Institutes of Hope,” they met with lawmakers, urging them to strengthen federal funding for NIH and cancer research.
“These funding cuts aren’t abstract numbers,” Richard explained. “They are life and death for patients like me.”
Their message reflects the views of millions. Recent surveys show that nearly nine in ten Americans support federal medical research funding, and more than 80% support increasing cancer research funding. Thanks to bipartisan advocacy, proposed NIH budget cuts of 40% were rejected, with the Senate instead advancing a $400 million increase for FY2026.
Hope in the Face of Uncertainty
In August 2025, Richard underwent an innovative tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) infusion. While some tumors shrank and others grew, he continues to move forward with resolve.
“If you don’t have hope, it is a really dark place to be,” Richard said. “But I have it—and I want to keep it.”
Together, Richard and Michelle have shown that hope is not passive—it is an act of courage, persistence, and advocacy.
Why It Matters
- Advocacy is both personal and public. Richard and Michelle turned their private battle into a public mission.
- Science depends on sustained investment. Each breakthrough builds on decades of research; funding cuts risk halting or even destroying progress.
- Hope fuels change. By acting on their convictions, Richard and Michelle are helping to protect lifesaving research for generations to come.
A Message from CSS Firm
All of us at Childers, Schlueter & Smith are extremely proud of Richard and Michelle—not just for their invaluable contributions to our firm, but for the leadership they have shown on a national stage. Their courage underscores why our work matters: fighting for accountability, supporting families in crisis, and promoting positive change in the fight against cancer.
Their example is a reminder that while justice often begins in the courtroom, it does not end there. Together, we can keep hope alive—in our communities, in our advocacy, and in the pursuit of a healthier future. (Washington Post Article by Carolyn Y. Johnson 6/18/2025)
As we continue serving clients and pursuing our mission, we honor the example Richard and Michelle have set—and we recommit to fighting not only for those in our courtrooms, but for a future where fewer lives are upended by cancer. Their rallying cry is now ours: to keep hope alive—in the courtroom, in our communities, and in the fight against cancer.
Special thanks to many that have played a pivotal part and role in their journey thus far including, but not limited to, Steven A. Rosenberg, MD, PHD; U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock; U.S. Representative Rich McCormick; U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin; U.S. Representative Don Beyer; Katie Couric; U.S. Senator Tim Kaine; NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya MD, PhD; U.S. Senator Patty Murray; U.S. Representative Mike Collins; U.S. Senator Chris Van Nollen; Gail C. Smith, and many more. We also thank the dedicated staff of each individual named above and the staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who have worked tirelessly in these efforts as well.
Full coverage on these recent events and more by Andrew Matthius (with the American Association for Cancer Research) can be found at:
Keeping Hope Alive—Why the Schlueters Rally for Medical Research
