Our Story

And just like that, their cancer journey became a faith journey.

By early 2023, the cancer had progressed and so had the support and love that flowed into the Schwarte family in West Des Moines, IA. On the darkest days of Lisa's cancer battle, their community lifted them up by sending dozens of cards, filling their freezer with meals, praying, mowing their lawn, planting flowers, and through acts of kindness that aren't as easy to see but were deeply felt by this family of five.

The unwavering support they received was humbling, but not surprising. The Schwarte family has deep roots in their parish community of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Lisa worked in the parish office, their three children attended the parish school and they had been active members of Sacred Heart for 20 years. When the outpouring of support kept coming month after month, Jeff and Lisa wondered how people who aren't as connected could ever manage a tough time like this one. Together they came up with a digital solution that would create active apostles.

“Our spiritual footprint matters. In our suffering, we wanted to make life  a bit easier for other people.” - Jeff Schwarte

When Lisa was told about the plan to launch this new company in the future, she could only respond with a thumbs up. A few days later, at home and surrounded by family, Lisa passed away on February 4, 2023. She was 52.

Jeff and Alex wanted to pay it forward and pray it forward. Just months after Lisa's death, Lisa's Tree was born.

It's an app. And it's simple: the technology connects people who need help with people who want to help. The tasks are quick, but the impact is lasting. It creates a sense of community in an increasingly isolated world. At the heart of Lisa's Tree is one family's dream that, from their pain and suffering, spiritual footprints will grow. Lisa's faith-filled life of serving others is all the inspiration they need.

“Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.” -Saint Teresa of Calcutta