7/23/2024

The Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-Affected People and the Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims launched a joint project during their second dialogue forum.

The event was held on the Grünenthal campus on 23 July. The entire board of directors of the Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims met with the Grünenthal Foundation team. They aimed to further intensify cooperation and launch a joint digital platform called The Place of Knowledge. This groundbreaking project will bring together comprehensive information about Thalidomide topics, while also promoting the exchange of knowledge and facilitating networking. The dialogue forum, which has served as a formal exchange platform since 2023, focused on the planning and launch of this important project in its July meeting. It also provided forward momentum for future projects.

The Place of Knowledge

The Place of Knowledge intends to provide transparent and comprehensive documentation about the history of Thalidomide-affected people. It also aims to support their current medical needs through information exchange and networking with experts. Tom Hermes, member of the Grünenthal Foundation, explained the concept behind this new project. It will consist of three pillars:

• Remember: A platform that collects historical facts.
• Help: A platform for medical experts.
• Networking: A marketplace for affected people to find assistance and other support.

“This project is a significant step forward for this important topic because it will make information available in a modern, digital format and will highlight all aspects of this topic with a special focus on the specific needs of affected people,” says Tom Hermes.

“We look forward to working closely with the Grünenthal Foundation to successfully implement this major project,” adds Udo Herterich, Chairman of the Board of the Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims. “This commitment is invaluable, especially when it comes to preserving and passing on knowledge for the next generation of doctors and nurses."

The Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims will take the lead in this project. The first steps will begin soon, with collaborative workshops to define the specific content and needs. Finally, a joint website will be created.

About the Dialogue Forum
The Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims and the Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-Affected People jointly launched the Dialogue Forum 2023 after several years of informal exchange on a personal level. The forum serves as a platform for regular exchange between affected people and the Foundation. It aims to implement long-term projects that improve quality of life for Thalidomide-affected people and their relatives. In this way, it will develop future-oriented solutions through close cooperation and continuous dialogue.

About the Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims (Bundesverband Contergangeschädigter e.V.) to support thalidomide victims
Since 1963, the Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims has been a recognised umbrella organisation for people affected by Thalidomide and their relatives in Germany.

The Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims is the point of contact for those seeking advice (affected people, their relatives and, for example, therapists from various disciplines) and for people interested in the topic of Thalidomide, e.g. politicians, doctors, scientists, the public or members of the association.

About the Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-affected people
(Grünenthal-Stiftung zur Unterstützung von Thalidomidbetroffenen)
The Grünenthal Foundation was established at the beginning of 2012 and thus integrated Grünenthal's initiative for hardship cases, which has been in place since 2011. Their task is to improve the quality of life of people harmed by Thalidomide. Personal communication with those affected is the key to the success of the foundation. The team takes time to get to know the needs of each individual. In this way, it can offer support services that start where they make a real difference in the lives of those affected. The focus is on help that makes life in one's own home easier, promotes contact with other people or aids in practicing a profession. To date, the Grünenthal Foundation has supported more than 900 victims in almost 4,500 causes. In addition, she has carried out various nationwide and international projects.

For more information, see www.grunenthal-stiftung.com.