In the small town of Berlin, Wisconsin, an annual Christmas tradition does more than just spread holiday cheer.
Every holiday season, Nathan Strong Park is lined with Christmas trees, and each tree has a story.
"We started it last year because I had been diagnosed with breast cancer," explained Berlin resident Michele Cassidy, standing in front of her tree decorated pink.
When she was diagnosed, she found out her cancer was genetic. Her two sisters then took preventative measures to reduce their risk.
"She's a survivor, we're 'pre-vivors,'" said Dawn Putzke, Cassidy's sister.
Now, the three sisters decorate a tree in Nathan Strong Park to raise awareness.
"I hope it brings inspiration to people," Cassidy explained.
The tradition of decorating trees here started eight years ago, thanks to Harry Kwidzinski and his wife. Kwidzinski is now the Co-Chair of the Berlin ABC group.
"We had seven trees we started with, and the second year we had 30," he said. "Next year we had 80 and now we're about 105."
Across the park, Mike Garza and Debra Kelm decorate their tree to remember their son Damion, who died when he was 14 months old from still unknown causes.
"After a nightmare like that happens, you just want people to remember your child and so that's really amazing that through a Christmas tree like this that can actually happen," said Kelm.
For them, the trees help to heal.
"It fills my heart with joy to know that people are maybe talking about him," Kelm explained.
It's the same for Jessica Zierhut.
"I think it's very healing, bringing people together," Zierhut said.
She lost her son Boone last year when he was 12 years old.
"Boone had a smile that could light up the world," she said. "We created this tree for a place for his friends to come."
So just like every person, every tree here has a story.
"Everybody suffers from one thing or another," said Joanne Pribnow, Michele Cassidy's sister. "This lets you know we're here as a community, together to lean on."
Although each tree branches out in different directions, their roots stay in the same place: here, in this close-knit community.
"They put so much into it, and that's what makes a good tree, what people put into it," said Kwidzinski.
Next year, Kwidzinski says he hopes to have a carousel in the park, as well as a light show set to music.
