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Networked and highly motivated at the Austrian dm ladies run through the Wiener Prater park
Last Update on: 14.07.2010
The impetus at this year’s Österreichischen dm Frauenlauf was immense. The largest ladies run in Continental Europe was able to attract a new number of participants: 21,000 runners and walkers.
Team spirit, fun and the pleasure of exercise, an escape from everyday life, nature, training together in advance in the face of a definitive goal, the thrill of the competition, the intoxicating atmosphere of this bombastic ladies running event and a public appearance underlining the significance of childhood cancer research These were the reasons that motivated our “Amazing Ladies” team, comprising 27 runners and Nordic walkers, to take an active part.
Statements from an “Amazing Ladies” team colleague
“For me, movement means pleasure and feeling alive and I try to run or walk as often and as much as I can. In order to express this joy outwardly for once, I am participating in the Austrian dm ladies run this year. In a professional sense my heart is completely dedicated to the Children’s Cancer Research Institute. So what could be better than combining together these two things that are both so important to me, and competing for our Children’s Cancer Research Institute?”
Within the team, employees of the Children’s Cancer Research Institute, former childhood cancer patients and friends will provide mutual support and motivation to one another.
Heartfelt thanks to our sponsor
With the aid of EMC2 Computer Systems Austria GmbH it was possible to finance the starter fees and produce an in-house designed breathable running team T-shirt.
EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) with its head office in Hopkinton, Massachusetts (USA), is the world’s leading developer and supplier of technologies for information structures. On this basis and with the aid of efficient data management, companies are able to gain the maximum benefit from their information.
EMC Austria Teenage cancer aid project
In 2009, EMC Austria set in place the founding stone for the establishment of a sustainable social project through which to ease the integration of young people, who had successfully overcome cancer, into the world of work; by means of a mentor program supported by specially trained EMC employees. Because equal opportunities with peers of the same age who do not have cancer in their past does not always exist. Stigmatism and poor job opportunities often dominate the employment market.
“Unfortunately it is repeatedly the case that young patients who have successfully overcome the treatment of a tumour encounter barriers preventing their integration into the world of work, which are related to their illness”
explains Dr. Reinhard Topf, head of the psychosocial team at St. Anna Children’s Hospital.
It is precisely here that the “EMC Austria Teenage Cancer Project” comes into effect. The aim is to overcome diffused prejudices that act against belief in the capabilities of former childhood cancer patients, and above all to strengthen the self-confidence of the young adults. It has also already been possible to provide concrete assistance in the search for jobs and training positions.
It has meanwhile been possible to further develop the initiative, which is also pursued on an international basis with great interest by a number of EMC sites, through cooperation with the St. Anna Children’s Hospital and the AKH. Former brain tumour patients suffer in particular from side-effects such as attention and concentration difficulties – caused either by the tumour itself or by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. EMC Austria financed ten Nintendo games consoles and the requisite software for neuropsychological training programs for former brain tumour patients. Comparable with muscle training in sports, this specific learning software is used at the university hospital for paediatric medicine in the neuro-oncology division.
Adventure at the Austrian dm ladies run
Ilse Dippmann, organiser of the dm ladies run, was 100% successful in attaining the event’s objective - to inspire women to enjoy running and competition. This year, 21,000 enthusiastic runners and Nordic walkers from 67 countries will submit an application. Who would have imagined that on the 12th June 1998, when the starting pistol was fired at that time in the Laxenburger Schlosspark for 440 runners – under the motto “From women, for women”. The "Amazing-Ladies" team, organised by the DIRECT project manager Sandra Brezina (Children’s Cancer Research Institute) and sponsored by EMC2 Computer Systems Austria GmbH, arrived at the starting line with 27 dedicated participants for the 5 and 10 kilometre running routes and the 5 kilometre Nordic walking course. The team unites employees of the Children’s Cancer Research Institute, friends and former childhood cancer patients.
Statement from Lisbeth, 18 years old
Former childhood cancer patient
“Without sport I wouldn’t really know what to do with myself most of the time. I have twice been able to experience the unique group dynamic und den cohesion that exists between ex patients. Within five minutes you become part of a group of people that you have never seen before and are able to talk about things that “normal” friends often just don’t know anything about”.
“Because the interest of industry in discovering medication suitable for children is not distinguished by economic reasoning, I find the work of children’s cancer research extremely important."
It was possible to cure Lisbeth’s neuroblastoma disease at the age of two. The adverse side-effects: High-frequency hearing loss. However, she deals with her life in the way of a “normal” young person, goes mountain-biking, mountain hiking, is currently working towards her driver’s licence, her university entrance exams and is actively supporting the “Amazing Ladies” team at the ladies run 2010.
DM Ladies Fun Run
The dm Ladies Fun Run took place on the 28th April 2010. 983 ladies took part in this preceding event, including two members of the “Amazing Ladies” team.
“It was a pure thrill and a real challenge! When over 980 runners set off at the same time, in fact sprint off, an entirely unique dynamic develops. With this type of group dynamic tremendous energy is released. The 5 kilometres took a lot out of us, but we are proud to have kept at it and succeeded. And when you finally cross over the finish line: An amazing feeling!”
