KiTZ Foundation in memory of Kirstin Diehl

The KiTZ Foundation in Memory of Kirstin Diehl aims to further improve pediatric cancer research and patient care for children suffering from cancer and to ease the fate of affected families.

A young woman with curly hair stands outdoors, wearing a striped shirt with green, white, and blue colors. She looks directly at the camera and appears to be smiling softly, set against a blurred green background.

Outstanding commitment to children's cancer research

The foundation was established in 2006 by Gerd and Gerda Diehl as the Kirstin Diehl Foundation in memory of their daughter Kirstin and was transferred to the German Cancer Research Center in 2021 as the KiTZ Foundation in memory of Kirstin Diehl. The DKFZ is thus the trustee of the KiTZ Foundation in memory of Kirstin Diehl. At the handover ceremony (see photo), Ursula Weyrich, Commercial Director of the DKFZ, paid tribute to the outstanding commitment of the Diehl couple, who were awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in 2012.

A group of seven individuals poses together, smiling in a brightly lit indoor space. They represent various age groups and are dressed in formal attire. The setting features colorful artwork in the background, suggesting a celebratory or commemorative event.

Kirstin Diehl, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Diehl, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 18. Despite her young age and her serious illness, the diagnosis prompted her to dedicate herself to cancer medicine and cancer research from then on.

Kristin Diehl died of cancer on February 12, 1997, at the age of 25. Her parents Gerd and Gerda Diehl built on their daughter's commitment and were honored for this on 3 December 2012, just as their daughter had been before, by being awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

"We only truly live when we stand up for other people. Please continue where I had to stop!" (Kirstin Diehl)

Black and white photograph of a smiling young woman with curly hair, wearing a simple top and a necklace. The background is slightly blurred, suggesting a natural outdoor setting. This image represents Kirstin Diehl, celebrating her vibrant personality and legacy as mentioned on the associated webpage.

The aim of the KiTZ Foundation in memory of Kirstin Diehl is to promote science and cancer research as well as public health in the field of pediatric oncology. It supports projects in the field of innovative patient care and research at the KiTZ, as well as infrastructure projects and investments. Gerda Diehl hopes that many other companions will continue to donate to the trust foundation in memory of her daughter and that the foundation will motivate many more people to support pediatric oncology.

The KiTZ is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg University Hospital and Heidelberg University. It is both a therapy and research center for oncological and hematological diseases in children and adolescents.

Your contact for the KiTZ Foundation in memory of Kirstin Diehl

Anja Kalb

Office of Development
German Cancer Research Center

+49 6221 42-5443
anja.kalb(at)dkfz.de

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