Help Lisa Schumacher's Family Cope with Cancer

On January 16, 2022, Lisa Webber Schumacher passed away at home surrounded by her loving family. She bravely and fiercely faced her nearly two-year journey with cancer, maintaining her positive spirit until the very end. She never once lost the will to live despite the multiple hurdles she faced.

 

Her beloved husband and longtime companion passed away on December 29, 2021, after a courageous two-year battle with ALS.

 

Lisa and her husband had been together for nearly twenty years before he was diagnosed with ALS in January 2020. In May, without warning, Lisa received the unfortunate news that she had myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Soon after, the two decided to marry and spend what remained of their lives as husband and wife.

 

She immediately began chemotherapy and underwent a bone marrow transplant, which led to multiple complicated side effects. Meanwhile, her husband participated in clinical trials, hoping to help researchers find a cure to save others diagnosed with ALS even if it was too late for him.

 

Lisa was briefly in remission in early 2021 but found out shortly after her cancer had returned, and it had developed into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She endured rigorous treatments over the coming months, with most of her time spent in the hospital. Beyond the physical effects, her illness took away aspects of her life that gave her the greatest joys, such as spending time with her loved ones.

 

When the time came for Lisa’s husband to transition to hospice, she insisted on caring for him alongside their children despite her own deteriorating strength. She wanted to do all she could to make him as comfortable as possible, knowing the hardest was coming.

 

Shortly after her birthday and Christmas, Lisa fell ill and was rushed to the hospital. While she was isolated in the hospital due to COVID, her husband passed away with his children by his side. The following day, Lisa and her family received the news that there were no alternative treatment options left for her, and she would be returning home on hospice. This information was extremely difficult to accept, especially as they had barely had a chance to begin processing the loss of Lisa’s husband, a cornerstone of their family.

 

Their family has worked tirelessly to support them in all ways through treatments and effects. Unfortunately, such aggressive conditions rendered Lisa and her husband unable to work during the period of their illnesses.

 

As you can imagine, along with the immense grief and trauma their family is grappling with comes substantial financial costs.

 

Lisa and her husband have been pillars of their communities, always first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. For many years, Lisa cared for the elderly, doing all she could to ensure their comfort and maintain their quality of life. Chebeague Island always held a very special place in Lisa’s heart. To her, being a part of the island was more than being a member of a community; rather, it was like a family.

 

Lisa always had an amazing light about her and a gift for making the world a brighter place. If you were one of the many fortunate people to cross her path, you undoubtedly felt the immediate and long-lasting impact she had that was special beyond compare. Her selflessness and generosity were unparalleled, and her light will continue to shine for many years to come.

 

This fund will go to Lisa’s children, Corey Lanphear, Cameron Lanphear, and Cayley Schumacher, to help cover medical and funeral expenses.

 

On behalf of the entire family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and support. It is appreciated more than you will ever know.