Heart's wishes fulfilled: Heiko's last Christmas experience at home!

Heart's wishes fulfilled: Heiko's last Christmas experience at home!

What do people in Lower Saxony do during the most contemplative time of the year? A touching event that touches the heart took place over the holidays. The ASB Wish Cart has set itself the task of giving seriously ill people and their families unforgettable moments. Heiko was given this chance, who wanted to celebrate Christmas again with his partner Gitte in 2025 despite his serious health condition. Heiko and Gitte had big plans for the celebration, including a lovingly decorated Christmas tree.

But fate had not been kind to Heiko. After a hospital stay due to a deterioration in his health, he was no longer able to leave the palliative care unit. His greatest wish was to spend Christmas Eve at home with his family. On December 20, 2025, this wish became reality by the ASB Wish Car team, represented by Celine and Sabine. Heiko, who was very weak due to his illness and could hardly speak, was nevertheless reminded of his time with Gitte in a small ray of hope when he had a smile on his face in the wishing car.

An unforgettable Christmas

When they arrived home, Heiko was carefully placed in his favorite armchair so that he could enjoy his time with Gitte. The occasion was of great importance for both of them, as Heiko struggled with his strength to play a song for his partner on the keyboard. Unfortunately, his strength wasn't enough, but the couple was grateful to be able to experience this special moment together. After two hours, Heiko decided to go back to the hospital, but remained filled with joy at seeing his partner again.

However, the matter is larger: the ASB Wish Car is a proven project that has been active since 2014. It allows sick people to fulfill special wishes, be it a visit to family or a trip to a favorite place. Many of these wishes often fail due to logistical possibilities, and this is precisely where this aid project comes into play. Further information on support and requests can be found on the ASB website: wuenschewagen.de.

Donations and support for important projects

A crucial part of the support comes from companies like LSW Holding GmbH & Co. from Wolfsburg, which has been foregoing Christmas presents since 2010 in order to instead support social institutions. In 2019, 2,500 euros went to institutions, including the wish car, to enable unforgettable experiences for sick people. These donations underline the importance of volunteerism and solidarity in society, as LSW managing director Sybille Schönbach emphasizes.

The ASB-Wünschewagen offers help nationwide and is run by the ASB Regionalverband Ruhr e. V. operated. The project is not only active in Germany, but also internationally. It is financed exclusively by donations from the public and runs on a voluntary basis. The Wish Car e. V. Förderverein invites companies, associations and individuals to take an active part and help ensure that people can experience happy moments in the last phase of their lives. If you would like to help, you can find detailed information on the support association's website: wuenschewagen-foerderverein.de.

In Lower Saxony, the strengthening of hope and the joy of giving is in the air, and while some are thinking about Christmas, there are many who are joining forces with the valuable support of voluntary initiatives to put a smile on the faces of others in difficult times.