There are topics we prefer to avoid in our daily lives. Childhood cancer is undoubtedly one of them. Hardly anyone stops at an information booth because they woke up deciding they wanted to talk about cancer in children. And that is exactly why I quickly realized: every person who stops, every question, and every conversation is incredibly valuable.
Over the past few weeks, I had the privilege of representing the CCF Children Cancer Foundation as a charity partner on the Harlem Globetrotters tour, as well as at the 6K UNITED concerts. The Harlem Globetrotters visited 15 cities, while 6K UNITED thrilled audiences with 19 shows in 6 cities—including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. Two event formats that stand for energy, community, and unforgettable moments—and right in the middle of it all, our mission: raising awareness for children with cancer and their families.
At the beginning of every event, I asked myself the same question: Will people be willing to engage with such a heavy topic?
The answer wasn’t always clear-cut. Many visitors initially just glanced at our booth, read the words „childhood cancer,“ and kept walking. It often seemed as though they wanted to keep the topic as far away from themselves as possible. And that is only human. No one wants to imagine a child getting cancer. No one wants to think about how a family’s life can completely change within a matter of hours.
But that is exactly why we need people who have the courage to start this conversation.
With each passing day of the tour, a quick glance more and more frequently turned into an honest conversation. People stopped, asked questions, and wanted to know who we are and why the CCF Children Cancer Foundation is needed. I was able to explain that our foundation supports families with children suffering from cancer exactly where state aid and health insurance often reach their limits—whether through financial support or programs that stand by families during one of the hardest phases of their lives. It became clear just how great the need is and how much hope concrete help can provide.
I was especially moved by encounters with people who had survived childhood cancer themselves.
One woman in particular will stay in my memory forever. She told me that she had cancer as a child and now looks back on that time full of strength. Despite everything she experienced, she spoke not with bitterness, but with gratitude—and with the desire to give something back today. She wants to support the work of the CCF and give hope to other families. This conversation touched me deeply and showed me once again why our work is so important.
But it’s not just these encounters that I will remember. It was also the many small moments: parents who became thoughtful, teenagers asking questions for the first time, grandparents expressing their gratitude for our work, or visitors who spontaneously donated because they understood how important our support is for affected families.
For me personally, these past few weeks were far more than just shifts on a tour. They changed my perspective. They showed me that raising awareness doesn’t mean scaring people. Raising awareness means giving hope. Hope through information. Hope through support. Hope through solidarity.
Another reason why this tour was so special to me is the people behind the events. Both the Harlem Globetrotters team and the 6K UNITED team welcomed us warmly from day one. Our interactions were characterized by mutual respect, openness, and a genuine interest in our mission. Not only did valuable conversations arise, but also connections that will hopefully last long beyond this tour. I am very grateful for that.
In the end, I take away one realization above all:
At first, no one wants to talk about childhood cancer.
But as soon as we take the first step, conversations happen that move us. Conversations that create understanding. Conversations that give hope.
And sometimes, that is exactly where the support begins that can change a family’s life forever.
That is why I am grateful to have been a part of this tour. Grateful for every encounter, every listening ear, and every person who had the courage to stop.
Because in the end, it’s not just about talking about childhood cancer.
It is about showing the affected children and their families that they do not have to walk this path alone.
David Zimmerer
Photo by Sandra Felke
