Volksbank Mönchengladbach Employees Yield Significant Results with Minimal Effort, Akin to DKMS.
Take a Swab, Save a Life: Volksbank's Heartfelt Initiative
In the bustling Kaiser-Friedrich-Halle, an assembly was graced by the presence of numerous Volksbank employees. The foyer was transformed into a hub of hope, where four inviting stations invited passersby to undergo a simple and effortless swab test. The heart behind this endeavor? Registering as potential bone marrow donors for the German Bone Marrow Donor Center (DKMS).
Leading the charge, Lea Keutmann, one of the organizers, shared the mission: "This is the initial step in registering as a potential donor for the DKMS." Keutmann emphasized that the bank covered the testing costs, amounting to 1,350 euros for 27 registrations going to the DKMS.
Joining in the spirit of altruism was colleague Kerstin Ewerhardy: "Helping others is always a good thing." Her sentiments were echoed by Petra Köster, fresh off completing the procedure, who admitted, "I've always wanted to get myself typed, but finally worked up the courage to do so here and now."
The brainchild of Sarah Eggerath and her colleague Luca Siegmund, the initiative came about when staff sought blood donation opportunities but found them to be labor-intensive. As Eggerath proudly stated, "This action was born out of that request, making it a simpler, more accessible way for colleagues to participate."
Anticipation for the swab test drive ran high, with over 20 employees expressing interest prior to the event. While it may seem modest compared to the 440 employees, it's crucial to consider that many are already typed, and stringent criteria must be met – such as being younger than 55, physically fit, and healthy. Roland Schloesser, who registered years ago, explained the process: "I was even able to donate after passing a detailed typing and evaluation in Dresden. It was an incredibly moving experience."
The motivation behind everyone who participated, before or after the staff meeting, is a shared one – the desire to save lives. Ann-Kristin Brueggemann, a registered donor herself, shared her motivation: "I was inspired by a case close to home – leukemia was diagnosed in my two-and-a-half-year-old godchild at the time. It's rewarding to know you can help." Brueggemann, a regular blood donor, watched on with interest.
Franz Dierk Meurers, the board member of Volksbank Moenchengladbach eG, expressed his delight at the employees' commitment: "In this sense, our project has been taken to a whole new level."
While the exact number of successful registrations hasn't been documented, it's clear that the camaraderie and dedication towards helping others has left an indelible mark on the Volksbank team.
- In the realm of workplace wellness, this initiative at Volksbank has extended beyond financial services, offering mental health benefits by alleviating the worries of those suffering from medical conditions like cancer.
- The science behind bone marrow donation could hold the key to treating neurological disorders such as migraines and other debilitating diseases, making it a crucial aspect of health and wellness.
- Therapies and treatments for such medical conditions often involve a holistic approach, incorporating elements of fitness and exercise, proper nutrition, and mental health care to ensure a comprehensive recovery.
- The selflessness demonstrated by Volksbank employees not only in participating in the bone marrow donation drive but also in advocating for health and wellness in their daily lives serves as a shining example in promoting a culture of compassion and empathy.
- This heartfelt initiative by Volksbank not only carries the potential to save lives through bone marrow donation, but it also sparks conversations about the importance of understanding and addressing various health-related issues.
- In the quest to enhance the quality of life for all, addressing these critical aspects of health and wellness – be it fitness and exercise, nutrition, mental health, or medical conditions such as cancer and neurological disorders – must be a collective effort and a shared responsibility.