Stella was eight years old when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. “Our whole life suddenly fell apart and nothing was the same anymore,” says her mother Hannelore. The family found support and protection from the four-legged therapists in the children’s hospice at the “Lichtblickhof”. Thanks to the loyal donors of our animal corner “Krone” we can support this and other projects.
At first they couldn’t believe it and wouldn’t admit it: the devastating diagnosis of brain cancer. The entire family’s life suddenly fell apart. Stella was eight years old when she was diagnosed with the “enemy in the head”. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation followed.
Eighteen months later we meet Stella and her parents at the Lichtblickhof in Vienna. Anyone who sees the happy girl would not think of the suffering she has already experienced in her young life and the serious medical procedures she has had to undergo.
“Your illness has completely changed our lives. We live in the here and now. The time at the Lichtblickhof with all the animals helps our daughter enormously. We are extremely grateful for that,” says Stella’s mother Hannelore.
Because every moment counts
The Lichtblickhof is a unique therapy center where children with serious and life-threatening illnesses can gain strength and courage. A place where animals determine the rhythm of life and children can enjoy the moment – carefree, courageous and hopeful.
“I love animals! Here I can feel them very close. They always have an open heart and ear for me,” says the brave Stella. When asked what she wants from the Christ Child this year, she answers: “I wish all children pursue their dream and become healthy.”
When fear gives way to joy
Every year, more than 350 young patients affected by serious fate, diseases and disabilities come to the area of the former Otto Wagner Hospital. “We remove these children from everyday life and take away their fears. At this moment, death is very far away for them – like a shooting star in the sky,” says Roswitha Zink, who founded the Lichtblickhof and the association “e.motion” together with two other women more than twenty years ago.
Today the team consists of 15 therapists, 69 volunteers, 19 specially trained therapy horses, three dogs, two cats and eleven sheep.
The “Krone” has been helping for twenty years
The Lichtblickhof can only survive through financial help. Thanks to the loyal donors of our association “Friends of the Dierenhoek”, the “Krone” has been able to support this unique facility since its inception. Others are now also convinced of the unparalleled efforts of the two- and four-legged team of therapists.
“Lichtblickhof Ambassador” out of conviction
One of the so-called ‘Lichtblickhof ambassadors’ is the popular Austrian comedian Gery Seidl: ‘Children who receive help here have usually already had a difficult journey. For her, every moment counts. Our goal as supporters should be that the team around Roswitha no longer have to worry about whether this project can continue at all costs. Because for the children here, every day is like Christmas.”
Our animal corner has also been supporting the Volkshilfe Wien aid project “A G’spia fürs Tier” for years. We cover the costs for affected owners of dogs, cats, etc. – as is the case with “Amy” and its owner, who works as an Augustin salesperson. For him, the well-being of his dog always comes first.
“Daisy”’s life was hanging by a thread – the 12-year-old, much-loved family dog was very seriously ill with cancer – a tragedy, especially for the two sons Michael and Leopold! The parents could not bear the immensely high veterinary costs alone. The animal corner “Krone” bravely stepped in – “Daisy” is healthy, thanks to your valuable donations!
“On behalf of our protégés, we would like to thank all animal lovers and the Tierecke team for their help!” writes Bettina Hubner, head of the Linz animal shelter (Upper Austria), to the “Kronen Zeitung”. Several times a year it is only possible through your donation to provide food to furry friends from all over Austria.
At the beginning of this year, Tierecke’s editorial staff was able to rescue several dogs and cats from the clutches of the pet mafia. One of them was male “Oskar” (in the photo on the left). An animal that was considered a cheap commodity that was mainly intended to make a profit. In his current life, his gentle character makes his entire family shine.
“Major food donation campaigns for animal owners in need, support for war refugees with pets – every time I, as head of the animal corner ‘Krone’, ask for help, Fressnapf is immediately, unbureaucratically at our side and supports us,” says Maggie Entenfellner. Fressnapf is a successful company that actually considers social involvement important. For more than ten years, the company has been supporting numerous associations and institutions in Austria with the ‘Animally Engaged’ initiative. As a big Christmas surprise, Fressnapf director Herrmann Aigner presented a donation of 40,000 euros for various projects in our animal corner. On behalf of the many animals, thank you very much for this unprecedented help!
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
