With their report cards and several awards for special achievements both inside and outside of school, Steinmühle sent its students off on summer break today. Grades may be important to some. But volunteer work in the social sector is particularly highly valued at Steinmühle. For example, Upper School Director Constanze Oestreicher-Gold had already highlighted the commitment of Elsa Stremme (left) and her two classmates, Leticia Günther (center) and Amelie Laukel, all from the 12th grade, as exemplary. The trio, along with other students from various grade levels, received recognition for their outstanding contributions in the social sector.
Support for Children with Leukemia and Cancer
During a personal conversation, we learned that Elsa, Leticia, and Amelie have been supporting the organization “Parents’ Initiative for Children with Leukemia and Cancer” for years—on a volunteer basis and consistently. Their commitment is quiet and unassuming, focused on children of various ages and their parents, who are often overwhelmed by the situation and, as Elsa Stremme puts it, “grateful for any help.” It’s the presence of these three Steinmühlen students—their willingness to lend a hand at events or read to children, their willingness to listen to questions, their reassuring words, their advice, and their intuition for instinctively sensing who needs help at any given moment and how best to provide it. “We’re here to do whatever we can,” says Elsa Stremme. The three high school students help organize events and workshops, contribute creative ideas, and shop for supplies for barbecues.
“It’s nice to see them doing better”
It would be untrue to claim that the three young women are not deeply moved by the children’s plight. The young people affected by illness at the Parents’ Initiative for Children with Leukemia and Cancer are up to 18 years old or just a little older, and the progression of their illnesses is part of what Elsa, Leticia, and Amelie witness. “We’ve gotten to know the children by now,” they say, “and it’s so wonderful to see them grow their hair back after chemo. To see them feeling better again.”
Families Share Their Fate
The Parents’ Initiative for Children with Leukemia and Cancer is located at Steinweg 34 in Marburg. For many affected children and adolescents—as well as their parents—it serves as a safe haven where they can meet others who share their circumstances. Precisely because they understand how important this is, the association’s members welcome anyone who wants to help. This can mean lending a hand, making monetary donations, or even donating specific items—provided these are arranged in advance. You can contact the parents’ initiative by phone or email; see the website at https://eltkmr.de/.
(Coverage of all awards ceremonies on the last day of school will be included in the yearbook)
