Jason and Kody Schwartz Memorial Fund

There are truly no words to describe the pain that Keith and Kathy Schwartz have had to endure this past year; it is far more than any two people should ever have to endure in a lifetime. A little over a year ago, their son Kody at the age of 31 passed away suddenly and unexpectedly due to a brain aneurysm leaving the family and all that were blessed to know Kody with a giant gaping hole in their hearts just before the Holidays.  11 days ago on December 12th 2020, their surviving son Jason also passed away at the age of 31 from a cardiac event that stemmed from his battle with liver disease. Jason and Kody were both such big lovers with great big hearts. They loved their family and friends unconditionally and would always prefer to be outdoors than in front of a screen...I can't even type this trying to see my way through the tears and feeling beyond broken hearted. I can't even imagine...no one would ever want to and hopefully never has to...the pain and the loss that we are feeling are a fraction of their parents. Kody and Jason were Kathy and Keith's only children. When I went to see them the other day, the only words that Keith could make out were "How do you become not a parent?" All I wanted to do was hug them, but as we stood freezing in their driveway 6 fix apart all wearing masks, I couldn't even do that.  Anyone who knows the Schwartz family I'm sure is all feeling the same thing; how can I help?
I wish so badly that I could take away just the tiniest shred of their pain (as everyone does), but only time can do that.  Not only does this family need time to grieve and let the world stop around them without having to think about work or bills, but they also are going to need some help with the memorial for Jason. In my second conversation with Keith today - a very hard one as I did not want to have to bother them with this thought of money - when I brought up the memorial fund and needing his signature to own this account, he mentioned that this would greatly help with the cost of cremation and Jason's memorial. This is why I set the goal at $4000 because the average cost of just cremation in the US is between $4000-$7000. 
Kody, Jason, and their parents have always been such a big beautiful wonderful contribution to this community; everyone in the family would give you the shirt of their backs, both literally and figuratively, I've seen Kody do this before. Kody's bio on his Facebook page is such an accurate depiction of him: "Life lover in pursuit of keeping that loving vibration spreading...want a hug? You got it!".  I first met Kody through a mutual friend when we were in the 7th grade. At the time, Kody went to East and I went to West. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I open enrolled and switched to Central Highschool not knowing a single person, except for Kody. I will never forget my first day...everything is not too terrifying entering a new school, until it comes to lunch time. No one ever wants to eat lunch alone. Kody knew that my lunch hour was different from his, so he skipped his class that day to make sure to introduce me to all of his friends, that way I never had to eat lunch by myself.  After school that day, I met Jason, Keith, and Kathy. It was instantly evident to me that the whole family shared in that kind of love and care that only comes with loving your friends like how you love your own family and how that family has taught you how to love.  Throughout the years, myself like so many, has only grown to love this family more. Our community and this world has lost two of the brightest shining lights that I have EVER known in this past year..........and even though I have tried my best to say a lot, there truly are not words. 

Please help put Jason to rest and give Keith and Kathy the time that they need. If you can not afford to donate, please consider sharing this on your social media.