Umicore supports pediatric oncology at Würzburg University Hospital with a donation of €5,000

The Precious Metals Chemistry (PMC) business unit of circular materials technology company Umicore is continuing its social commitment and has once again donated €5,000 to the Regenbogen für leukämie- und tumorkranke Kinder Würzburg e. V. (Rainbow for Children with Leukemia and Cancer in Würzburg) parents' initiative. The fight against cancer, especially in children, is a matter close to PMC's heart. The donation will be used to finance sports and exercise therapy provided by two trained sports therapists. This initiative brings variety and action to the wards and into the children's everyday therapy routine. The sports therapy program must be financed entirely from donations to the Elterninitiative Regenbogen für leukämie- und tumorerkrankte Kinder Würzburg e. V., as this therapy is not yet covered by health insurance in pediatric oncology.

“We are delighted to be able to support a project that gives so much back to the children, even in these difficult times,” said Michael Schwarz, Director Global API Business (PMC) Umicore AG & Co. KG.

Sport and exercise have a positive influence

For nine years, Umicore has been supporting the Elterninitiative Regenbogen für leukämie- und tumorkranke Kinder Würzburg e.V. (Rainbow Initiative for Children with Leukemia and Cancer in Würzburg) in caring for and supporting children and young people with cancer and their families. In addition to numerous other services such as apartments for parents, it has now been possible, with the help of sports therapists, to find other people who can have a positive influence on the children's everyday therapy. Sport and exercise have a positive influence on the physical, mental, and social development of children and young people. A cancer diagnosis suddenly changes the lives of those affected and often takes them away from their familiar surroundings for a long period of time. These changes often lead to patients exercising significantly less than before their diagnosis. This is where sports therapy comes in, tailored to each individual patient. “The diagnosis, course of therapy, and daily form, but of course also the interests and inclinations of the patients are taken into account in order to enable safe, healthy, and motivating sports activities,” explained Veronika Pfeiff, sports scientist and social pedagogue, who has been a sports therapist in the pediatric oncology wards since 2021.

The Regenbogen Elterninitiative für leukämie- und tumorkranke Kinder Würzburg (Rainbow Parents' Initiative for Children with Leukemia and Cancer in Würzburg) has a long-standing and close connection with pediatric oncology in Würzburg and supports the young patients, their families, their environment, and the clinic itself.

The PMC division is one of the world's leading manufacturers of highly active, metal-containing, and organic pharmaceutical active ingredients (APIs) for fighting cancer.