You might think so with the children on the pediatric oncology ward at Unimedizin Mainz, because they were given little Easter bunnies and lambs in the form of fluffy cuddly toys.

The team from Joyset are the ones who came up with this happy surprise. Shortly before the turn of the year, customers were able to donate to the campaign via their portal, and distribution began just in time for spring. The visitor duo from Joyset took care of that themselves, making the day a little cosier for the kids on the ward and those who were in the clinic for outpatient appointments.

We would like to say a big thank you to the Joyset team for their visit in Mainz and for this creative campaign. Now Easter can really come!

The sun is showing up more often again. With spring approaching, more runners like to intensify their training.

A fun run, preferably outside in the fresh air, and doing something good for your body and for a good cause at the same time… We are now calling on all running enthusiasts and those who would like to be inspired: arrange a charity run in favor of Stiftung Juno!

No matter whether young or old, slow or fast, whether club, college, school, community, circle of friends, neighbors or family – organizing and holding a charity run welds people together, is fun and is also for a good cause.

How it works? Here we have summarized tips about the Juno charity run for institutions that work with children.

Of course, groups of adults can also participate. We are happy about every big and no matter how small commitment. Because exercise is good for all of us, both healthy and sick people. That is why the Juno Foundation finances sports and exercise therapy for children and young people with cancer.

Use your muscle power and be active against childhood cancer.

Distraction from the daily grind at hospital is always welcome among young cancer patients. This is where sports therapy comes in. Some pediatric oncology centers offer personalised exercise therapy, which is often financed through charitable organisations rather than health care providers – despite its positive effect on the chances of recovery.

One of the research studies that Stiftung Juno Kinderkrebshilfe supports, aims to make young patients stronger for fighting childhood cancer, and to show that exercise training has remarkable effects on successful cancer treatment.

In order to make the effects of regular exercise measurable, periodic sports tests are carried out with the children who take part in the current study. For example, an increase in performance and other parameters is checked and documented. The sports tests, which are carried out by the sports therapists with whom the children are familiar, can sometimes be exhausting. It is all the more motivating for the kids to know that they can then choose a gift from the surprise box after the session. Games, books and puzzles can be found here, which in turn lead to distraction from everyday hospital life.

 “The children are happy when they have completed their tasks and can take something from the box. There is something in there for everyone”

tells us one of the sports therapists.

In another children’s oncology center, the toys are used in the playroom. Here, too, they ensure fun and motivation. Some games are introduced into the sports therapy units to loosen them up in a playful way.

We are pleased to put a smile on the little patients’ faces and would like to thank Ravensburger for their generous donations.

Under the motto “Gifting and Donating”, a campaign to support Juno Children’s Cancer Aid Foundation has been initiated by Joyset. Stuffed animals can be bought in their online shop, which will then be given away to children with cancer. You can choose between a cute sheep and a cuddly bunny, €12.90 and €14.90 each (no shipping costs). The entire proceeds from the campaign will be donated to Stiftung Juno.

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the team at Joyset, who have started a Christmas campaign in our favor once again.

It’s 9 a.m. and the first little patient is eagerly awaiting his sports lesson. We are in pediatric oncology, the two sports therapists have compiled the schedule for today’s patients and checked with the medical team that all children are fit to exercise today.

Off we go to the ward’s sports room. It is equipped with large and small sports equipment and accessories in bright colors. A bicycle is there for warm-ups, and 6-year-old Leo rides it for seven minutes because, so he says:

“Today I feel strong!”

Then he helps sports therapist Lena, with whom he has built up a relationship of trust, set up an exercise course across the sports room. There is a bit of everything: Balancing, climbing over soft building blocks, and a toss into the basketball hoop. The drip stand keeps moving along next to him, but Leo doesn’t let that distract him. Especially during slalom football training, he is completely focused on himself, and everything else literally falls away from him. All the hardships of recent times. Also the disappointment that he couldn’t watch his favorite team’s football game at the stadium because he wasn’t feeling well – even though it was his birthday present. He bravely states: “It’s ok because at least my brother was able to go in my place”. He misses his brother a lot, as well as his twin sister and his younger sister.

Finally, Leo asks Lena for a football match between small fold-up goals, and he easily defeats her. Exhausted but satisfied, he and his mother make their way back to their room on the ward.

The sports lesson is a most welcome change in everyday hospital life. It is designed to be fun for the children and motivate them to exercise regularly. Sports can give them an energy boost, especially after taking certain medications, when they are tired or in a bad mood. Even if the children store water, for example, and exercise is difficult but important, the sports therapists can motivate them to participate in playful activities. This is even possible in their room, should the way to the sports room not be possible.

The day takes its course. Altogether, four children receive their sports therapy today. The offer, which is in part financed by donations, is aimed at both inpatients and those who come to the clinic for an outpatient appointment. A big thank you for letting us participate in today’s sessions!

*Names have been changed by the editors.