Andreas Führlich knows what it means to suffer from cancer as a child - and from this experience has dedicated his life to helping others affected by the disease. The 40-year-old has now been honored for his outstanding work with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany as part of the "Ortszeit Delitzsch" event series. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented him with the award in person.
Andreas Führlich lives in Radebeul with his wife and two children. At the age of 9, the now 40-year-old was diagnosed with cancer himself. Führlich has been an active member of Sonnenstrahl e.V. Dresden - Förderkreis für krebskranke Kinder und Jugendliche since 1998. He was initially involved in the youth group and in the mentoring project of the German Children's Cancer Foundation, in which young people who had previously been ill share their experiences with acutely ill patients. He has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2008 and has steered the fortunes of the association as Chairman since 2013.
Innovative therapies and a parents' house near the clinic
Under his leadership, Sonnenstrahl e.V. has established additional therapy services such as music, art and sports therapies for children and young people with the disease. Of particular importance is the parents' house, which offers affected families free accommodation in the immediate vicinity of Dresden University Hospital. A new therapy and advice center is also currently being built, which is also being financed by the association.
In addition to Andreas Führlich, nine other committed individuals were honoured - including Luise Börner and Deborah Oehler from the Dresden music project Musaik - Grenzenlos musizieren. The award ceremony underlines the diversity and importance of voluntary work in Saxony
