Children's Hospice: 'Not Here to Watch My Son Die' - Bärenherz Hospice Offers Lifeline to Families of Critically Ill Children in Sachsen
Bärenherz stands as Sachsen's only inpatient children's hospice, offering vital support to families with critically ill children. With a team of over 80 professionals, the facility provides continuous care for young patients and their loved ones. Funding relies heavily on donations, ensuring families receive emotional and practical assistance during difficult times.
Founded to care for children, adolescents, and young adults with life-limiting illnesses, Bärenherz has supported nearly 200 families since 2008. In 2023 alone, 163 families received inpatient care, with two children passing away at the hospice. The facility's ten rooms and seven family apartments allow parents and siblings to stay close, receiving professional support throughout long-term treatment.
The hospice's services extend beyond medical care. Memorial rituals, such as a garden and candle-lit remembrance shelf, help families honour their children. High-profile supporters like Sebastian Krumbiegel, lead singer of Die Prinzen, regularly visit to perform for patients and raise awareness.
Operating on an annual donation budget of nearly two million euros, Bärenherz ensures families face no financial burden. Staff, including nurses, therapists, and doctors, accompany them from diagnosis through bereavement, often over months or years.
Bärenherz remains a cornerstone of paediatric palliative care in Sachsen. Its specialised facilities and dedicated team provide round-the-clock support for critically ill children and their families. The hospice's reliance on donations underscores the community's role in sustaining its life-changing work.
