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Survivors in exchange - November 2009
Last update on: 12/21/2009
Within the scope of the EC-funded project „Overcoming Cancer With Research“, Austrian survivors visited the forest pirates' camp in Heidelberg, from 13th to 15th Nov. 2009, to present the Großglockner project 2009 to the rainbow journey participants. Both the well established rainbow journey and the Großglockner project are high-profile events supported by the participating former childhood cancer patients (survivors). The idea of this workshop in Heidelberg was to give the activists of the respective other country an understanding of the project-specific details involving the preparation, procedure and purpose.
About the camp
In 2003, the Deutsche Kinderkrebsstiftung established an adventure-based educational recreational facility on a clearing close to the city of Heidelberg. This so-called „Forest pirates’ camp“ is geared toward children and adolescents with cancer after undergoing therapy as well as their siblings and parents.
With hands-on and adventurous activities, the camp participants learn how to deal with their medical condition and the re-integration into the daily routine. Recreational instructors help the former childhood cancer patients - the survivors - discover self-confidence and new strength to be able to face the future with courage and optimism.
For more information about the Forest pirates’ camp, please visit: www.waldpiraten.de
Exchanging information about past projects
The presentation about the 2009 Großglockner climb given by the Austrian survivors, followed by a movie sparked great interest among the German neighbours. The Rainbow tour participants then reported about their 2009 tour through Germany.
Sports and exercise science lecture and excursion to the city of Heidelberg
The second day started with a lecture given by a sports and exercise scientist about a study conducted in cancer patients whose muscle strength was built up during and after the therapy using established procedures of sports medicine.
The Austrian visitors then had the opportunity to explore Heidelberg.
Outlook
While the survivors from Germany early planned their 2010 rainbow tour, the Austrians were busy gathering ideas for future interesting projects.
Further information
Austrian Survivors: www.survivors.at
Forest Pirates' Camp : www.waldpiraten.de
Deutsche Kinderkrebsstiftung: www.kinderkrebsstiftung.de
