The campaign is organized by the Federal Association of Children’s Hospices—with support from staff at the Bärenherz Children’s Hospice, affected families, and the state capital of Wiesbaden.  

Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende says: “The invaluable work of children’s and youth hospices supports many families during a difficult and challenging phase of life. It deserves respect and recognition. With the torch, we are sending a united message of humanity, solidarity, and social cohesion on behalf of all families, staff, volunteers, and supporters.”

Dr. Natalie Schwäger of the Federal Association of Children’s Hospices explains: “The Kinder-Lebens-Lauf connects people throughout Germany. Thank you for the enthusiastic support the torch relay has received here in Wiesbaden as well. The Angel Torch stands for hope, solidarity, and raising awareness of children’s hospice work—because no affected child or family should have to walk this path alone.”

Magdalene Schmitt, the executive director of Bärenherz, adds: “The Kinder-Lebens-Lauf brings to light what often happens behind the scenes: the reality of life for children and adolescents with life-shortening illnesses and their families. I have the deepest respect for the parents who do extraordinary things day after day. A strong network of children’s and youth hospice care provides families with support and shows them: They are not alone.”

The Kinder-Lebens-Lauf 2026 is the nationwide inclusion campaign of the Federal Association of Children’s Hospices. At its heart is the symbolic angel’s torch, which is carried from station to station by dedicated individuals from children’s hospices, families, volunteers, and supporters. The campaign began on April 16 in Berlin and will conclude on October 11 in Rust to mark World Hospice Day. Covering a distance of approximately 7,000 kilometers, the route passes through more than 130 stops in Germany and, for the first time, also extends to Austria, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. 

Following the stop in Wiesbaden, Robert Michels from the Mainlichtblick association took over the torch. He will carry it on to Frankfurt am Main.

Questions about the Kinder-Lebens-Lauf can be directed to Andrea Hausy, Municipal Inclusion Officer for the state capital of Wiesbaden, at inklusionsbeauftragtewiesbadende or (0611) 315896.