Silke Kind from Fulda: With courage and table tennis against Parkinson's!

Silke Kind from Fulda: With courage and table tennis against Parkinson's!

On December 28, 2024, Silke Kind from Fulda was awarded the Walter Lübcke Prize 2024. This prize, which annually in memory of Dr. Walter Lübcke is awarded, recognizes the commitment of silent helpers for humanity and cohesion. The award was presented by the CDU member of the Bundestag Michael Brand.

Silke Kind, 58 years old, received the diagnosis of Parkinson around ten years ago. After initial hiding her symptoms, she decided to speak openly about her illness. This openness helped her deal with the disease. To relieve the symptoms, she returned to table tennis and founded the Pingpongparkinson base in Fulda in 2020. This now has 21 members and the group meets weekly for training.

commitment and role model function

Silke Kind volunteers at the federal level and supports other Parkinson's people. It organizes monthly video lectures with experts to promote exchange and to raise awareness of the disease. In addition, she campaigns for more research to slow down Parkinson's symptoms through sport. Michael Brand describes her as an encourager and role model.

In recent years, Silke Kind has expanded her passion for table tennis in connection with her commitment to Parkinson's. She trains at least twice a week and has already achieved several titles at German Championships and World Championships. In addition to her commitment to the base in Fulda, she is actively in a global community of table tennis-loving Parkinson's affected.

The Walter Lübcke Prize has already been awarded to other committed people in previous years, such as Marie Keßler (2021), Manfred Rohde (2022) and the Bachrainer Nikolaus-Action (2023). Christoph Lübcke, the son of Walter Lübcke, expressed his thanks for Silke Kind for her outstanding commitment. Suggestions for future award winners can be sent to Michael Brand.

Additional information about Silke Kinders experience and her commitment is available at the Parkinsononfonds website offers.

How the Fuldaer Zeitung is an inspiring example of how personal challenges in social engagement is can be converted.