When our two-year-old son had to be treated in the pediatric oncology ward of the University Hospital of Würzburg in 2022, a very difficult time began for our family. During this time, we received tremendous support not only from our families but also from the Rainbow Parents' Initiative. This text, however, will not go into detail about our ordeal. We only needed to use a small portion of what the initiative offers (thankfully), as these dedicated people do so much for sick children and their families.

I want to give something back for the support I've received, initially out of a feeling of powerlessness, now out of complete conviction. Since 2022, I've been organizing a fundraising sale for which I, along with dear friends, paint pictures, make cards, decorations, and gifts. 100% of the proceeds are donated. We keep nothing for ourselves, neither for materials nor for our time. Every cent you donate goes to the initiative – and even more, because I always round up the amount I transfer to the nearest 50 euros.

From 2022 to 2025, I was able to donate 2,290 euros through sales.

Of course, it would be easier to donate the money needed for materials directly instead of crafting something and then selling it. But this way, I can draw attention to the parents' initiative and the children and families, instead of just making a quiet donation. Besides, painting and crafting helps me leave our time on the Rainbow and Lighthouse wards a little further behind me each day. When people take something nice home from our stall, they also have the good feeling of having supported the sick children and their families. Not just a win-win, but a double win-win!