BUFFALO, N.Y. — This year the Tree of Hope evergreen comes from northern Erie County and is reportedly the tallest tree that Roswell Park has had for the memorable celebration.
And this year the Blue Spruce comes from the front yard of a home in Williamsville, from Judy Matheisz and her family. Matheisz said they moved into their home decades ago, the tree already there.
"The tree was just a little small evergreen in the back... the tree was with the house in the backyard when we first moved in, which was over 40 years ago," Matheisz said.
Matheisz also says they moved the tree to the front of the house, where it thrived.
"Since then it kept growing so tall to the point that it is today. ... The very large tree has provided many good years for the family. … Nice memories of the tree, a lot of photos in front of the tree, family photos," she said.
And this evergreen has been through a lot over the decades including snow and wind storms. But it made it this far, to this special day.
"A lot of commotion it’s very exciting, my neighbors are out to support, my family out here to witness this momentous day," Matheisz said.
As crews came to get the tree from her home, Judy says it is very fitting that they are the family donating the tree this year.
"I thought it would be a fitting tribute. I worked at Roswell Park many years ago in research, practically my whole family worked at Roswell at one point. We know a lot of family and friends who have used Roswell park for treatments," Matheisz said.
And so, after more than 40 years, this tree is now moving to its new home, to the front of Roswell Park. Now it stands tall and decorated at more than 40 feet (about 44 feet) as this year’s Tree of Hope.
"Mixed emotions, we are going to miss the tree tremendously," Matheisz said. "It was time for it to serve another purpose, and we are really excited to donate it to the Tree of Hope because we thought what a fitting way to honor the tree and honor the patients at Roswell Park. Just a wonderful experience to see it all lit up in its glory, and that will be its final glory."