Donor gallery

Through their estate, Dr. Gisela and Joachim Zendt wanted to create something lasting and provide long-term support for cancer research. For this reason, the couple included a bequest in their will to the BBBank Foundation, with the express wish that it be used to provide ongoing support to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).

On September 22, 2026, the DKFZ received the first grant in the amount of 36,000 euros. To present the donation, Marco Angerbauer from the BBBank Foundation visited the DKFZ in Heidelberg and presented the donation to Anja Kalb, deputy head of the Private Research Funding Office. He then gained insights into the diverse research work and current developments in cancer research.

Through their bequest, Dr. Gisela and Joachim Zendt are helping ensure that researchers at the DKFZ can continue to find new ways to better understand cancer, detect it earlier, and treat it more effectively. We thank the couple from the bottom of our hearts for this special and lasting support of cancer research.

On July 18, the Schloss Maxlrain Golf Club hosted the third annual golf4research tournament to benefit the DKFZ. Organized by Sebastian Peitzsch, this charity event combines a passion for sports with an important cause: raising more support for cancer research.

The idea for golf4research arose from Carol Peitzsch’s personal story. After her own cancer diagnosis in 2022, she experienced firsthand just how crucial research can be for the treatment of cancer. Targeted therapy gave her precious extra time. This experience sparked her desire to make a difference herself and to help ensure that sufficient funds for cancer research remain available in the future. Carol Peitzsch was a passionate golfer. This led to the idea of combining her enthusiasm for the sport with her heartfelt cause: playing golf while doing good. Even after her death, this idea is being carried on by her husband, Sebastian Peitzsch, her family, friends, and many other supporters.

This year’s tournament raised 11,450 euros for cancer research at the DKFZ. A fantastic result and a testament to how much can be achieved when athletic team spirit, personal commitment, and a shared desire to make a difference come together. The DKFZ extends its heartfelt thanks to Sebastian Peitzsch and the entire golf4research team, as well as to all participants and supporters.

Abend fürs Leben e.V. was founded by Annelies and her daughter Nicky. The nonprofit organization based in Harsefeld organizes special evenings and events that bring people together, create space for memories, and foster a sense of community. These gatherings give rise to moments full of warmth, connection, and hope—with the goal of making a difference together.

The idea for the organization arose from a very personal tragedy. In September 2025, Annelies and Nicky lost their husband and father after a 15-month battle with cancer. Guided by the motto “Evenings to remember—and to live,” the association is dedicated to connecting people, offering hope, and supporting cancer research—in the belief that community and compassion can make a difference.

Through lovingly organized events, Abend fürs Leben e.V. raises funds for organizations that support people with cancer and their families. The German Cancer Research Center received a donation of 1,000 euros from the proceeds. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for this and convey our deepest respect for such social commitment.

Kerstin Pestandrea organized a moving benefit concert for cancer research at the DKFZ in the Protestant parish of Neustadt-Hohenacker-Bittenfeld. A total of 1,207 euros was raised for research. The motivation for this special commitment is personal: 25 to 30 years ago, her parents died of cancer much too early, one after the other.

Together with the musicians Artur Derer (double bass) and Fabian Fritschle (drums), Kerstin Pestandrea put on a successful concert evening. It was characterized by free improvisation on Chopin's nocturnes and mazurkas, jazz standards with Chopin elements and a crossover composition with references to Frédéric Chopin and Keith Jarrett. An improvisation on a theme by Patrick Bebelaar rounded off the program. Kerstin Pestandrea makes the connection between music and research:

"Jazz with its improvisations is pure life, it is always unique and never stands still. And life is what cancer research is working for.
We felt that on this evening we managed to convey our joy in this philosophy."

We would like to thank Kerstin Pestandrea and all participants and visitors for their special support and commitment.

Students from the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld at Trier University of Applied Sciences have collected a total of EUR 1,665 for the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) as part of three creative and socially committed projects.

The projects "Food Matters - because every food counts!" (360 euros), "Innovation for Life - Founding for a good cause" (630 euros) and "Create to Donate - Upcycling, Creativity & Solidarity" (675 euros) showed on their project days how commitment can have a concrete impact at a local level and at the same time raise awareness of socially relevant issues.

With their commitment, the students and project members not only wanted to call for donations, but above all to raise awareness of the challenges that cancer poses for those affected, their families and society.

The fundraising campaign impressively demonstrated how young people combine education, creativity and solidarity to make a positive contribution to cancer research. The DKFZ would like to thank all students, participants and donors for their active support and responsible actions.

As part of its annual donation week, Allgäu Concerts GmbH is committed to charitable causes and supports organizations that create added value for society. In 2026, one of the donations in the amount of 500 euros will go to the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ).

As a company that brings people together and creates unforgettable experiences, Allgäu Concerts GmbH sees social responsibility as an integral part of its activities. The increasing number of cases of cancer - and the fact that they are personally affected in their own environment - showed the employees how important further research into cancer is.

With the donation to the DKFZ, Allgäu Concerts GmbH would like to make a concrete contribution to strengthening research, enabling new therapeutic approaches and creating better long-term prospects for those affected. We would like to express our sincere thanks for the support, commitment and friendly communication.

On December 12, 2025, Niko Kösling, Managing Director of BAUHAUS Heidelberg, and Manuel Löhmann, BAUHAUS PR Manager, presented a symbolic donation check in the amount of 5,000 euros to Prof. Dr. Josef Puchta at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). The donation is the result of a raffle held as part of BAUHAUS Heidelberg's big anniversary celebration, which took place together with the MLP Academics Heidelberg in September at the BAUHAUS location in Heidelberg's Bahnstadt district.

Following the presentation of the cheque, there was a detailed discussion about the work of the DKFZ and the regional commitment of BAUHAUS. Both sides emphasized the long-standing ties between their institutions.

The DKFZ would like to thank BAUHAUS Heidelberg and all donors for their valuable support, which helps to drive forward innovative research projects and opens up new avenues in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The Terry Fox Run is a worldwide movement that goes back to the Canadian athlete Terry Fox. After being diagnosed with osteosarcoma (malignant bone tumor) and having to have a leg amputated, Terry started his legendary "Marathon of Hope" across Canada in 1980 to raise funds for cancer research. His courage and vision inspired millions of people around the world - including in Heidelberg.

The Terry Fox Run Heidelberg, initiated by Lars Hallbauer for the second time, was once again very popular in 2025. After the running day, Lars Hallbauer and Fred Fox, Terry Fox's brother, visited the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and handed over a donation cheque for 2,997 euros.

At the DKFZ, Dr. Priya Chudasama informed the guests about the work of her research group Precision Sarcoma Research. Her team uses state-of-the-art molecular methods to investigate the development and progression of sarcomas, including osteosarcoma. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the disease mechanisms and to develop new, targeted therapies that will offer patients better chances of recovery in the future.

The DKFZ would like to thank all participants and supporters of the Terry Fox Run Heidelberg for their commitment and contribution to cancer research.

To mark his 40th birthday in February 2025, our long-standing donor Andreas Stoebner deliberately decided not to give any personal gifts and instead called for donations to two organizations: German Brain Tumour Aid and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). A total of €1,111.11 was raised for the DKFZ.

The personal motivation for this commitment goes back to 2014. Back then, Andreas Stoebner organized a charity soccer match for the DKFZ, as both of his parents were undergoing cancer treatment at the time. Three years later, he himself received a very surprising cancer diagnosis, combined with an initially very poor prognosis in terms of his chances of survival. But the Palatinate native, who is active in sports and volunteering in his spare time, never gave up throughout his treatment:

Reaching the age of 40 - beyond the prognosis at the time - was now joyfully celebrated with around 100 guests. The fundraising was part of this special occasion and a sign of gratitude and continued support for cancer research. We would like to thank Andreas Stoebner for his trust and commitment to cancer research, as well as all the guests who supported the DKFZ with their donations.

On July 13, 2025, the Golf4Research charity tournament for the benefit of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) took place for the second time at Schloss Maxlrain Golf Club. Once again this year, numerous golfers and supporters came together to set an example of hope for those affected through sport and community.

Once again this year, the participants had Carol, who once started the tournament with her vision and determination, close to their hearts. She wanted to make a difference - and she did. After her untimely death from lung cancer, Golf4Research remains not only a sporting event, but also a living legacy of her idea of combining hope and research. Her commitment continues to have an impact and inspires everyone who takes part.

The enthusiastic golfers, many of whom have already lost friends and family to cancer, know how important physical activity is for successful cancer prevention. In addition to raising awareness, it is a matter close to their hearts to promote new cancer treatment methods in order to make cancer controllable or even cure it.

The tournament raised a total of EUR 11,700 for cancer research. We would like to thank everyone involved from the bottom of our hearts: especially Sebastian Peitzsch, the golf4research e.V. association, the many committed players, the sponsors, helpers - and of course the donors who support cancer research at the DKFZ so sustainably.

In 2024, the Hupperth family unexpectedly lost a loved one - just six months after being diagnosed with bone marrow cancer (multiple myeloma) and two weeks after starting chemotherapy. The painful loss became the impetus to take action: Together with their family, Schahien and Jaschar Hupperth launched the "Cancer Hunters: the CAR-Team" project - combined with a fundraising campaign to benefit the research of Dr. Mirco Friedrich and his team at the German Cancer Research Center. The aim of the initiative was to raise at least EUR 10,000 for Dr. Mirco Friedrich's research and thus the development of novel immunotherapies against multiple myeloma as part of the "Rund um Köln" cycling race on 18 May 2025.

The response was overwhelming - as was the family's commitment. As part of the donation handover, Schahien and Jaschar Hupperth visited the DKFZ together with their family, where they were warmly welcomed by Dr. Mirco Friedrich and his team. During a detailed tour of the laboratory and exciting presentations by individual team members, they were able to gain exclusive insights into the ongoing research work. This was followed by a lively dialog about the goals and challenges of modern cancer immunotherapy.

We would like to sincerely thank the Hupperth family, especially Schahien Hupperth, for their personal commitment, their dedication to our research and all supporters of the fundraising campaign. The magnificent donation sum of EUR 10,514 and the personal exchange between the initiators and the DKFZ research team is a complete success.

With a donation of 250 euros, eleven-year-old Hanna from Liechtenstein and her family are supporting research into pancreatic cancer - a topic that is close to her heart.

As part of a project at the International School Rheintal in Buchs (Switzerland), Hanna spent several weeks intensively studying the disease from which her grandmother died in 2015. Even though Hanna was only 1.5 years old at the time, the memory of "Grandma" is still an important part of family life for her, her siblings and her parents.

Hanna did extensive research, designed an information poster, painted a picture in memory of her grandmother and organized a cake sale, which was actively supported by her family, classmates and teachers. Other families also helped with homemade cakes to increase the amount raised. Their fundraising campaign met with great interest in the school community. Many parents, teachers and children found out about the disease and were impressed by Hanna's commitment.

Hanna was not only able to support cancer research, but also raise awareness for a type of cancer that desperately needs further research. The donation is an expression of personal solidarity - and of the desire to make a contribution to improving treatment options through knowledge and commitment. We would like to thank Hanna very much for this!

Children from Michelbach visited the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) with great curiosity and commitment. Together with their parents and their pastor and religion teacher Angelika Schmidt, they were able to explore the prevention outpatient clinic of the National Cancer Prevention Center in Heidelberg, which is currently being established in a strategic partnership between the DKFZ and German Cancer Aid. Dr. Ursula Will, head of the prevention outpatient clinic, explained to them in a child-friendly and vivid way how important cancer prevention is for children and adults - especially through a correct lifestyle, e.g. in the form of sun protection and sufficient exercise. The children enthusiastically tried out the exercise station and experimented with UV beads, which turn purple depending on the UV radiation outdoors.

During a church service and their performance as a kids band, the children collected 69 euros, which they donated to the DKFZ. We would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the fantastic fundraising campaign, the great interest and the many curious questions. We are delighted to have such young supporters of cancer research.

The founders Wilhelm Pflaumbaum and Louis Auer had a mission right from the start: fashion with a purpose. In memory of their co-founder Miguel, their brother and friend Albert and all the other loved ones they lost to cancer, they launched their first collection. The collection itself is based on special memories with their loved ones. APSEVEN has already supported cancer research at the DKFZ with the proceeds from sales and wants to continue to help raise awareness of the importance of cancer research.

"Our brand is not just about fashion, but about giving hope together and actively supporting cancer research. Every step we take and every product we release has one goal: to make a difference." (APSEVEN)

The founders and their team are also very involved regionally; they collect donations for the DKFZ and provide information on the topic of cancer. They have also already organized an AP7 Day, where they combined the topics of sport, club life and cancer awareness. The label aims to set an example and accelerate cancer research. We would like to thank them for their valuable and sustainable support.

We are delighted about a very special donation: Since October 2024, the German naval vessel "Frigate Baden-Württemberg" has been underway to support a United Nations mission. It is one of the navy's newest ships, with around 130 men and women serving on it.

They used the long sea voyage to collect donations for valuable projects in their "sponsor state" of Baden-Württemberg during "Movember" and the Christmas period. Not only did the male crew members grow moustaches to raise awareness of cancer prevention, the entire team also supported the DKFZ's Cancer Information Service with a generous donation of EUR 2,000. The long absence from home motivated the crew to seek a connection to their homeland through a fundraising campaign and do something good at the same time.

We would like to express our sincere thanks for this great donation idea, the commitment and the support of all donors.

Our supporter Paulina Myszkowski called for donations for ovarian cancer research during four marathons, including the New York City Marathon in November.

Under the motto "#Running4OvarianCancerResearch", her fundraising campaign raised a total of EUR 2,606 for the DKFZ. Thank you very much for your great commitment and for visiting the DKFZ on the Open Day!

About four years ago, Paulina's mother died of ovarian cancer after a long illness, which was a great burden for the young daughter. Nevertheless, Paulina wanted to "continuously educate people about ovarian cancer and research at the DKFZ" and contribute to "ensuring that nobody has to lose their mother, sister, wife or girlfriend to ovarian cancer in the future", says Paulina.

In achieving her sporting goals and during the runs in memory of her mother, Paulina received support from friends, fellow runners, those affected and relatives of cancer patients - we would like to thank everyone involved from the bottom of our hearts.

Modschiedler GmbH, a family-run company with a long tradition in transport and warehouse logistics based in Bobenheim-Roxheim, is supporting the DKFZ with 2,000 euros. This year, instead of giving Christmas presents to customers, the company decided to raise awareness of cancer and DKFZ research. Thank you very much for this!

Most team members have someone in their circle of relatives and friends who has cancer or has even died from cancer. The awareness that cancer can affect anyone has motivated the team to support further research into cancer.

With the donation, they want to give hope to people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families and friends. As a company, they know how important the idea of progress can be. They therefore hope that their donation will also enable them to further promote research progress, e.g. in the form of a wide range of treatment options and individual therapies.

Since 2014, Brother International GmbH, based in Bad Vilbel and Vienna, has been taking part in the "Golden Ring" charity project that it initiated itself. Branches around the world join together to form a ring to collect donations at an annual employee run and set an example against cancer.

After 10 years, the event, which is popular with employees and also involves their families, has become a major sporting event and social get-together. This year, 191 runners laced up their running shoes and ran a total of 600 kilometers for a good cause.

We are delighted to be among the four organizations supported in their work this year - a total of 2,000 euros went to the DKFZ as part of the charity run. A big thank you to all participants!

A strong and fun-loving woman who has declared war on cancer: Carol has terminal lung cancer. But that hasn't stopped the US-born woman from raising money for cancer research. Together with her husband, she organized a charity golf tournament, which took place on 8 June 2024 at Schloss Maxlrain Golf Club near Bad Aibling.

On her initiative, almost 15,000 euros were raised for cancer research and donated to the DKFZ. Carol's aim is to give hope to others affected by cancer, raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to take preventive measures.

"I want to make sure that enough money is raised for cancer research," says the 55-year-old, "the extra time that the medication has given me has been an absolute gift." Carol's wish is to leave a legacy in the form of the golf tournament - it will continue in her spirit for years to come.

We would like to thank Carol, her family and friends as well as the golf club for their great commitment and donation!

Partying and doing good can be combined: Under the motto "let's dance together for a good cause", DJane NIKOLINA realized her heart project on 06.04.2024. Together with the Gotec Club in Karlsruhe, she organized a charity rave for the DKFZ. She and all the other artists waived their fees, as did the entire service staff, and all ticket proceeds were also donated to support cancer research in the best possible way.

NIKOLINA herself lost her mother to cancer at the age of 16. It is therefore important for her to remove the taboo surrounding cancer and raise awareness of cancer. This motivated her to start her personal fundraising campaign in the form of a charity rave and to offer all those celebrating an unforgettable evening.

We would like to thank NIKOLINA for her incredible commitment and heart, Gotec and everyone involved, who made a total donation of 7,416.27 euros possible. Thank you for your lasting support!