For the tenth time, the World Hospice Day of the German Children’s Hospice Association was celebrated at Europa-Park. Families with children and young adults suffering from life-limiting illnesses experienced a special day at Germany’s largest theme park. The event aimed not only to raise awareness about children's hospice work, but also to offer support to affected families and integrate them into the heart of society.
Conclusion of the Children’s Life Run: A Strong Signal for Inclusion
The 2024 Children’s Life Run, a nationwide initiative of the German Children’s Hospice Association, culminated in a celebration at Europa-Park. This symbolic run, which passed through numerous cities, was not only a physical challenge but also a powerful statement advocating for the inclusion and societal participation of families with children suffering from life-limiting conditions. Under the motto “Democracy Needs Inclusion,” the event embodied the goal of placing people with special needs at the center of society. Franziska Kopitzsch, Managing Director of the German Children’s Hospice Association, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “This year’s Children’s Life Run was an overwhelming success. I am filled with joy that we could draw so much attention to the needs of children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.”
Europa-Park as Host: A Day of Joy for Families
For the tenth time, Europa-Park opened its gates for World Hospice Day, providing affected families with a memorable day. The event began with a celebratory opening ceremony in the Berlin Ballroom of Europa-Park, where families were welcomed and had their first chance to connect with each other. Following this, the children and their relatives enjoyed a day filled with experiences in Germany’s largest theme park. For many of these families, the day at Europa-Park was a welcome break from the challenges of daily life.
Mauritia Mack’s Commitment: A Passionate Ambassador
Mauritia Mack, who has been an ambassador for the German Children’s Hospice Association since 2015, plays a central role in organizing World Hospice Day. During the event, she shared her personal motivations and emotional connection to the work of the association: “The strength, courage, and joy of life displayed by these children and their families deeply touch and inspire me every time. It is of vital importance to provide them with the necessary support, not only to ease the challenges of daily life, but also to offer moments of joy and relief.” Mack stressed the importance of societal inclusion and encouraged the public to approach affected families with openness and support.
A Platform for Exchange and Support
World Hospice Day at Europa-Park offered a leisure experience and served as an important platform for families to exchange their experiences. Affected individuals had the opportunity to discuss their challenges, share experiences, and receive support in a safe and understanding environment. Many participants valued this opportunity to connect with other families, as it offered not only carefree moments but also a sense of community and mutual understanding.
Long-Term Commitment: Invitation to Europa-Park’s Winter Season
Europa-Park’s commitment to the German Children’s Hospice Association extends beyond World Hospice Day. Families are regularly invited to the park during the winter season to enjoy its festive atmosphere. This special time of year allows families to take a break from everyday life and recharge. This annual gesture demonstrates Europa-Park’s ongoing interest in providing affected families with support and moments of joy, not just on one day but throughout the year.
Raising Awareness for Children’s Hospice Work and Political Advocacy
A key goal of World Hospice Day and the Children’s Life Run is to raise public awareness of the needs of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The German Children’s Hospice Association actively advocates for improved political conditions to enhance the care and support available for these families. Events like World Hospice Day and the Children’s Life Run aim to increase public awareness of the challenges faced by the children’s hospice movement in Germany. The association calls for increased political support to provide better long-term assistance to affected families.
A Strong Sense of Community and Looking Ahead
World Hospice Day at Europa-Park demonstrated impressively the importance of bringing families with life-limiting conditions into the heart of society. Through the commitment of personalities like Mauritia Mack and the successful conclusion of the Children’s Life Run, a strong message of inclusion and support was sent. The platform for exchange and the opportunity to experience carefree moments at Europa-Park gave families not only a break from their everyday challenges, but also the chance to gather new strength for the future.
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