Donation to cancer research in Würzburg

On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, Leni Hock and her mother Angela May-Hock handed over a symbolic giant donation cheque for 4,000 euros to Gabriele Nelkenstock, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of "Forschung hilft". The foundation supports promising cancer research projects at Würzburg University Hospital (UKW).

Her own cancer as motivation

Leni and her family's lives have been closely linked to the Würzburg maximum care hospital in recent months: After the then 19-year-old was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in the spring of 2025, she underwent an extensive course of treatment at the UKW consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy. The tumour was shrunk in the process.

"During these extremely stressful months, we felt that we were in very good medical and personal hands at the University Hospital's Neurosurgery Clinic. We also think it's great that there are voluntary organisations in Würzburg, such as the 'Hilfe im Kampf gegen Krebs' association and the 'Forschung hilft' foundation, which support those affected locally and promote further development on the ground," praises Angela May-Hock.

Her daughter adds: "I am very grateful that it was possible to treat my illness. All of these therapies are based on previous research and we would like to help ensure that this scientific work can continue for future patients." That's why she and her mother dedicated their recently celebrated milestone birthdays to the foundation. They collected donations instead of gifts at the big gatherings for their 20th and 50th birthdays. This raised 4,000 euros.

Proof of great solidarity

"This result is also further proof of the close solidarity between family, friends and neighbours that we were able to experience throughout last year," emphasises Angela May-Hock. This solidarity was also evident when the cheque was handed over. The donors were accompanied by Leni's partner Jakob Zeiss, who faithfully stood by her side in many difficult moments, and Giovanni Privitera. The family friend bakes and sells special pizza variations in his spare time, the proceeds of which went towards the donation.

Inspiring for many cancer patients

"The fact that Leni can go through her treatment with such optimism is certainly partly due to her personality," comments Professor Imad Maatouk. The Head of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the UKW's Medical Clinic II continues: "But we also know from our work how important the support of a strong family and social environment can be for the psyche of cancer patients and the success of their treatment."

In addition to the heartfelt thanks for the donation, Gabriele Nelkenstock was also deeply impressed by both daughter and mother: "Your example can inspire many patients and encourage them not to give up in their fight against cancer."

About "Forschung hilft"

The "Forschung hilft" foundation was established at the end of 2017 by the Würzburg association "Hilfe im Kampf gegen Krebs". Since then, the foundation has awarded annual grants to local cancer researchers - totalling around 1.1 million euros to date. Further information can be found at www.forschung-hilft.de.

Anyone wishing to support the foundation can donate to the following account:

Stiftergemeinschaft der Sparkasse Mainfranken Würzburg

IBAN: DE19 7905 0000 0000 0655 65

BIC: BYLADEM1SWU