On this occasion, District Administrator Dr. Theophil Gallo was pleased to welcome Sandra Kern, Chairwoman, and Stephanie Lattuca, Assessor and Head of the Emergency Team, as well as Christa Baquet from Niederwürzbach from the board of the Sterneneltern Saarland e.V.
What both organizations have in common is the topic of grief, which is still tabooed.
About 17 years ago, Christa Baquet founded the "Trauercafé Oase" as a place for coping with grief, a place where those personally affected can openly, deeply, and with respect and compassion discuss topics such as death, farewell, and mourning. But also their fears. Supported by Ulla Haitzmann, Christa Baquet succeeds in creating a comforting environment within and for the community. The grief café takes place every two weeks and is still in high demand. Sometimes, it is the only refuge that mourners choose for themselves, Christa Baquet emphasized. She is familiar with the "Sterneneltern Saarland" and has also recommended the association as a contact point to those affected.
The non-profit association was founded in January 2018 as an initiative to support parents of a deceased newborn, known as a "star child," during the most tragic phase of their lives. In many ways, the association members assist the family in coping with such a life-altering fate and also in preserving the memory of the star child and keeping it alive. Sandra Kern reported on 18 self-help groups that now meet regularly. There is also an emergency team that goes on-site to hospitals in acute situations.
District Administrator Dr. Theophil Gallo was deeply moved by the stories. "Your work is invaluable. It is certainly necessary that you receive all possible external support in order to continue your work in the future. I hope that with the financial contribution from the Saarpfalz district, we can at least make a small contribution," said the District Administrator, expressing his heartfelt thanks to Christa Baquet, Sandra Kern, and Stephanie Lattuca for their selfless commitment and for attending, and wished everyone a reflective Christmas season.
After the symbolic check presentation, Christa Baquet did not hesitate to announce that the 500 euros would be passed on to the Star Parents.
