On Saturday, 30 September at 3 p.m., the time had come: the beautiful, open and daylight-bright space of the Trinitatis Church was opened for our cause for the first time. Many people who are close to us came: Children and their parents and grandparents, for whom life in an intensive care unit had become very real with the sudden experience of worry and fear, but also hope and relief. Siblings who perhaps had to put themselves on the back burner and for whom the paediatric intensive care unit suddenly became a place where many important and unknown things happened, mostly far away and yet felt very close. But also people with big hearts, shining eyes, active hands and a good spirit, who made our organisation and our work possible in the first place.

It was an intense, happy and colourful Saturday afternoon.

Climbing on crates, riding on horseback, a magical magic show, unique insights into the legendary owl manufactory and our deep-sounding wind gong.

Surrounded by colourful balloons and bunting, fortified by good food and delicious coffee and with plenty of space and room to talk and meet up with old and new friends, the table tennis table was the perfect place for a fierce match and you could try your hand at the resuscitation dummy. There were also glittering colours on the children's faces from the face painting and they could shake hands with Luke Skywalker and Obi Wan - all this and much more was allowed to happen and bring joy.

Eventually it got dark and as the last balloons were carried home in small hands, the last crumbs of cake were eaten and the confetti was energetically swept away, we realised that this had been the start: For further encounters with young patients, their families and friends. That we can offer not only a local, but also a perceived space in which conversations, memories and sharing the present are possible. For beautiful experiences and against loneliness. In particularly intense times - and beyond!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all our guests who were there! We thank all the helping hands, donors and giving friends and partners who made it possible! And we look forward to seeing you again! Next year at the latest!

Your IntensivZeit e.V.