As of: February 4, 2024, 8:01 a.m
By: Franziska Konrad
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Committed to cancer patients and their relatives: administrative employee Lisa Abeltshauser (right) and the blut.eV regional manager Michaela Karg.
© sabine hermsdorf-hiss
On World Cancer Day we spoke to the regional manager of Blut.eV.
She explains why the club is so important for the region.
Königsdorf – Important support for cancer patients and their relatives has existed in Königsdorf since 2013.
More precisely, the association blut.eV, regional group Upper Bavaria.
One of his best-known campaigns is the annual “CV” charity run.
But the association – consisting of 21 members and numerous volunteers – does much more.
Our newspaper took World Cancer Day this Sunday, February 4th, as an opportunity to speak to those responsible.
In an interview with editor Franziska Konrad, regional manager Michaela Karg (54) explains how it was founded, what motivates the volunteers - and why the association is so important for the region.
Ms. Karg, on average you read about blut.eV in our newspaper once a year, when the CV takes place. What does the club do for the rest of the year?
Karg:
It's a very difficult path for a cancer patient to take: first he receives the terrible diagnosis, which is associated with a lot of uncertainty and fear.
And that's exactly where we try to help by supporting the sick person.
We respond to people individually: we organize typing tests, provide important contacts – for example to special doctors or to the Bavarian Cancer Society (see box at top right) – and provide financial resources.
The association is also there for relatives who often suffer in the same way.
They have to accept the decision from the cancer patient whether they like it or not.
Importantly, we are not medical professionals, but rather intermediaries who do background work.
How did it come about?
Karg:
The trigger at the time was cancer among my friends.
At that time I often went for walks with my neighbor at the time, Susanne Bogner.
We often talked about this disease - and thought about how we could help.
At that time, Susanne Bogner was already working for the blut.eV Bürger association for leukemia and tumor sufferers in Baden-Württemberg, of which she is now chairwoman.
She told me about her work and I thought to myself: “We can do the same thing here in Königsdorf.” There was no comparable offer for cancer patients in the area at the time.
Together with eight founding members, we then founded the Upper Bavaria regional group, almost as an offshoot.
What has the club achieved since then?
Karg:
Over the years, we have been able to recruit over 800 potential stem cell donors, among other things.
This has resulted in at least three transplants to date.
This means: We saved at least three lives.
Does it take a lot of effort for cancer patients to come to you?
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Karg:
People are different.
Some are just happy that they can get help from us.
Others may not even contact us because their inhibitions are too high.
Unfortunately.
The people who come to you for advice probably don't just live in Königsdorf?
Karg:
No, we have a relatively large catchment area.
Königsdorf is the ideal location: we are close to Starnberg, Agatharied - even Murnau is not too far.
How do you manage not to let these fates get too close to you during consultations?
Karg:
Of course, I sometimes hear tragic stories, especially when it comes to those who have not been treated.
I think the most important thing in such conversations is to put your heart into it.
And in return, I hear equally beautiful stories about how the illness ends well.
Can you immediately think of such an example?
Karg:
At the anniversary celebration for the club's 20th anniversary there was a meeting between a former patient and her stem cell donor.
That was totally heartbreaking.
Deep friendships often develop from such encounters.
Or, for example, when an acute leukemia sufferer who was running with the CV saw a runner wearing a purple T-shirt.
Wearing a purple T-shirt while running is a way of recognizing people who have beaten cancer.
Seeing this incredibly spurred the sufferer on and gave him courage.
That's actually the most important thing.
To show: Cancer often does not mean a death sentence.
Despite the diagnosis, things can continue.
Speaking of the most important thing: Is that what you do with the many volunteers?
Karg:
Without volunteers, nothing would work for us.
The organization of all our campaigns is largely done on a voluntary basis - we don't count the hours.
I've never had any problems finding helpers.
On the contrary.
I also have great respect for the people who register with us as stem cell donors.
Why?
Karg:
Stem cell donation is associated with pain.
And you have to remember: A person unselfishly has a lot of tests carried out on themselves in order to possibly be able to help a total stranger.
Yet there are so many volunteers.
This is fascinating – and makes you believe in the good in people.
What do you wish blut.eV for the future?
Karg:
Many donors – and by that I mean both stem cell and financial donors.
Our association is primarily financed through donations.
Each typing costs us 40 euros.
So with the equivalent of just 40 euros we can potentially save a life.
(Our Wolfratshausen-Geretsried newsletter regularly informs you about all important stories from your region. Sign up here.)
The association's office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Contact us by phone at 0 81 79/9438 33 or by email at rg.oberbayern@blutev.de.
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