Running for the cause

Berlin 2025

&

supporting "Eine Zeit voller Leben"

In 2024 — just before finishing the 46th Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon that led me across the Bosphorus Strait from Asia to Europe — I started thinking about whether and how I might do something useful for others while spending non-trivial amounts of time on the road.

I decided to follow the example of other fellow runners (see for example Ufte here) and raise money for a cause important to me, linked to one of my running goals for next year: In 2024, I set out to participate in the 51st BMW Berlin-Marathon in September 2025.

In the letter below, I explain why the work of the Berlin-based ‘Björn-Schulz-Stiftung’ matters to me. Here is the link to the official home of the fundraiser and if you want to learn more about the foundation, please visit their website here. With thanks to all of you for the many generous contributions you made, here is to share that we raised over EUR 2,500 in support of the foundation’s work!

Thanks again to everyone who has supported the cause: Jiska, Anonymous, Chili, Tati and Béla and Ivo, Zoey, Karin and Christian, Shelly, Bruno and Sandra and Christoph, Heidrun, Fernando and Johanna, K. Berg, the Klappers, Eszter, Fiedler, Katja, Claudia, Bernd, Klonkie, TW, Sandra, Mila and Falk, Elizabeth Schellenberg, Familie Clouth, Brigitte and Hans.

Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues —

As most of you know, I have a knack for running: In November, I was thrilled to finish the 46th Istanbul Marathon crossing the Bosphorus strait from Asia into Europe! Next up: Marathon #8.

As I continue my running journey into 2025, I have given some thought to how I might do something useful for others at the same time. Here is what I decided: Over the next 60 days, I’ll aim to raise money in support of the ‘Björn Schulz Stiftung‘ — linked to my goal to participate in the 2025 Berlin Marathon. If we raise $2,001, I get to run the race.

Here is why the work of the foundation matters to me: As some of you know, my brother and sister-in-law lost their second son, Caspar, just after he was born in April 2023. After receiving an early diagnosis of what was to come, they did the most admirable job of seeking guidance and preparing themselves & their first-born son to gain & lose a brother almost at the same instant.

I can’t speak for them and their pain, but I have the greatest respect for the way they worked through this ordeal, admire the energy they summoned to endure and am thankful for any and all support they were able to make use of while working hard to keep ok as a family.

For 28 years, the foundation has helped children and their families to cope with terminal illnesses, providing care and services, including by making space for brothers & sisters to grieve after their sibling dies. Above all, the Foundation supports families in making the most out of the time left with their loved ones.

To help other families receive critical support and guidance in similar situations, it would be wonderful if you were inclined to donate to the foundation using the safe and secure campaign link. This will help the staff do its valuable work in support of families that bear unspeakable pain.

Thank you in advance for considering supporting this cause!

With best wishes from Vienna —
Johannes