Lisa’s Tree: A Community App Honoring One Woman’s Fight Against Breast Cancer
When Lisa Schwarte was diagnosed with breast cancer, her community supported her in many ways. They brought meals, sent cards, and visited her. Jeff Schwarte, Lisa’s husband, said neighbors and church members helped with chores like gardening and running errands. They wanted to support Lisa because they knew she would do the same for them.
Lisa believed that “many hands make light work.” She regularly looked for ways to help others. Lisa lost her fight against cancer in February 2023. Her family wanted to honor her memory, so Jeff and their son Alex created an app named Lisa’s Tree.
What is the mission behind Lisa’s Tree and how does it support community members in need?
Title: Building a Legacy of Support: An Interview with Jeff Schwarte on Lisa’s Tree
Interviewer: Today, we’re joined by Jeff Schwarte, the husband of the late Lisa Schwarte, who bravely battled breast cancer. Jeff, thank you for speaking with us about your wife and the new app, Lisa’s Tree, that you and your son Alex have developed in her honor.
Jeff Schwarte: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share Lisa’s story and the vision behind the app.
Interviewer: Lisa’s fight with breast cancer resonated deeply with your community. Can you describe the support you received during that time?
Jeff Schwarte: Absolutely. It was incredible to see how our community came together. People brought meals, sent cards, and spent time with Lisa. Neighbors and church members helped with household chores, gardening, and running errands. They wanted to be there for her because they knew she would do the same for anyone else in need.
Interviewer: That’s a powerful testament to the impact Lisa had on those around her. She lived by the saying, “many hands make light work.” Can you tell us how that philosophy influenced your family’s response to her illness?
Jeff Schwarte: Lisa truly believed in the strength of community and lending a helping hand. Throughout her life, she was always proactive in finding ways to assist others. Her diagnosis was a reminder of the importance of support networks and how they can lighten the burden for those going through tough times.
Interviewer: After losing Lisa in February 2023, what inspired you and Alex to create Lisa’s Tree?
Jeff Schwarte: After Lisa passed, we wanted to honor her legacy and continue her mission of helping others. We realized that in times of hardship, people often don’t know where to turn for help. Lisa’s Tree was conceived to connect those in need with those eager to lend support. It’s a way to keep her spirit alive.
Interviewer: How does Lisa’s Tree work, and what do you hope it achieves in communities?
Jeff Schwarte: The app allows users to post requests for help, whether it’s meals, errands, or simply someone to talk to. Others can browse these requests and offer their assistance. We hope that churches and community organizations will adopt it to create a more connected and supportive environment for those facing challenges.
Interviewer: It’s a fantastic initiative. What feedback have you received so far from users of the app?
Jeff Schwarte: Early feedback has been incredibly positive. People appreciate having a centralized place to seek help and offer their support. We’re hearing stories of connections being made and lives being touched, which is what we hoped for.
Interviewer: How can people download Lisa’s Tree?
Jeff Schwarte: Lisa’s Tree is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. We encourage everyone to check it out, share it with their communities, and help us spread the word.
Interviewer: Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your story and the incredible work you and Alex are doing. It’s a meaningful way to honor Lisa’s memory and make a real difference.
Jeff Schwarte: Thank you for having me. We hope Lisa’s Tree will inspire others to come together and support one another just as our community did for us.
Lisa’s Tree connects people in need with those who want to help. Jeff hopes that churches and communities will use the app to assist those facing tough times. Lisa’s Tree is available for download on both Apple and Android devices.