The initiative came from the students of Ernst-Göbel Comprehensive School themselves and, with the support of the school administration and teachers, literally took off: Around 500 participants, including students from grades 5 to A levels, teachers, and family members, supported and cheered on by the warm-up and entertainment program organized by the advanced sports course, ran more than 2,747 km together under the motto “Our run – their hope!” With this enormous achievement and the help of numerous sponsors, the impressive donation total of more than €20,000 was reached.
Johannes Ochs, vice-chairman of the Association for Children with Cancer – Odenwald e.V., was presented with the donation check. He was impressed by so much commitment and dedication, because not only was he presented with the considerable donation, but the fifth-grade students had also written letters to children with cancer, which will now find their way to those being treated at the Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ).
The association supports families with children suffering from cancer and organizes activities such as family vacations. It also supports the clinic clowns and music therapy programs at KiTZ. Most of the donations will go toward pediatric cancer research at KiTZ. KiTZ Director Olaf Witt is also touched by so much energy and empathy: “We are very impressed by this enormous achievement and also by the warmth expressed in the letters. I am sure that these will bring a smile to the faces of many patients. A big thank you to the students of the Ernst Göbel School and, of course, to the Association for Children with Cancer - Odenwald, whose loyal support for KiTZ is very valuable.”
