Jenoptik Presents Record Donation to Support Children with Cancer in Jena

Pictured from left: Hospital Director Prof. Dr. med. Till Milde, Katrin Mohrholz, Dr. Prisca Havranek-Kosicek, Prof. Dr. med. Bernd Gruhn, Sabine Klisch (Director Brand & Communications at Jenoptik).

(IN BRIEF) On February 13, Jenoptik CFO and patron of the Parents’ Initiative, Prisca Havranek-Kosicek, presented a record donation to the Jena Parents’ Initiative for Children with Cancer during the “Heroes’ Celebration” at the pediatric cancer ward of Jena University Hospital. This event, held in honor of International Children’s Cancer Day, marked the culmination of Jenoptik employees’ fundraising efforts, including donations from the summer festival and Christmas party. The donation will support therapy dog visits to children in the hospital, enhancing their treatment experience and providing emotional comfort during challenging therapies.

(PRESS RELEASE) JENA, 14-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — On February 13, during the “Heroes’ Celebration” held in the pediatric cancer ward of the Jena University Hospital, Prisca Havranek-Kosicek, CFO of Jenoptik and patron of the Parents’ Initiative, presented a record donation to support children with cancer. This special event coincided with International Children’s Cancer Day, celebrated on February 15.

The remarkable sum was raised through generous contributions from Jenoptik employees at various events held throughout the year. Employees and their families participated in the traditional summer festival at the Jena site in late August, where approximately 1,900 attendees helped fund the initiative. The company’s Christmas party in December also saw a strong turnout, with around 1,000 employees coming together. The long-standing tradition has been for contributions from these gatherings, particularly the proceeds from drinks, to be donated to the Jena Parents’ Initiative for Children with Cancer (EKK). In addition, other efforts from Jenoptik employees, including an annual blood donation campaign, also contributed to the initiative’s success.

Katrin Mohrholz, the managing director of the Jena-based association, expressed deep gratitude for Jenoptik’s ongoing support: “Jenoptik’s commitment is exceptional, and I am incredibly thankful to the employees, management, and especially our patron for their unwavering support over the past two decades. This initiative provides crucial support not only for the children but also for their families during these incredibly difficult times.”

The funds presented by Havranek-Kosicek will go toward further supporting the children in the clinic, particularly through the continuation of therapy dog visits. Since last year, “Jack” and “Dari,” two therapy dogs, have been a positive presence in the ward, offering children a welcome distraction from their treatments and bringing comfort to both patients and their families. “These visits have proven to be an invaluable part of the therapy process,” said Mohrholz. “They provide moments of joy and relaxation during the long therapies, alongside other activities such as ward tours, parties, the clinic clown ‘Flotti Lotti,’ and music therapy with Detlef.”

Jenoptik, a global leader in photonics, operates in key markets like semiconductor and electronics, life sciences and medical technology, as well as smart mobility. With a workforce of about 4,600 people worldwide, Jenoptik continues to make a significant impact, including in the fight against childhood cancer.

About Jenoptik

Jenoptik is a global technology group operating in the photonics market. Our key markets primarily include semiconductor & electronics, life science & medical technology as well as smart mobility. Approximately 4,600 people worldwide work for the Jenoptik Group, which is headquartered in Jena (Germany). JENOPTIK AG is listed on the German Stock Exchange in Frankfurt and traded on the MDax and TecDax. In fiscal year 2024, based on preliminary figures, Jenoptik generated revenue of 1.12 billion euros.

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SOURCE: JENOPTIK AG