Support as an expression of gratitude
Major donation for cancer research at MHB university hospital
Neuruppin, 8 August 2025
A donation of € 12,530 from KDH Energie - Versorgungstechnik GmbH supports a research project on “tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in colorectal cancer” conducted at the MHB university hospital Ruppin Brandenburg (ukrb) in Neuruppin. This is the second donation received from the company located in Frankfurt (Oder) whose director Uwe Demmler wishes to advance important research to fight cancer as an expression of gratitude.
The donation has a personal reason: Uwe Demmler’s wife was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. Searching for a specialist who, in addition to consulting, would also perform surgery himself, the couple found that even clinics of renown do not always offer such a combination. Private recommendations resulted in contact with Dr. Hendrik Albrecht. The senior physician at the ukrb clinic for general, visceral, thoracic and vascular surgery is also in charge of the unit of colorectal and oncological surgery, i.e. specialized in cancer of colon, rectum and other organs.
In retrospect, Uwe Demmler is satisfied with their choice: Dr. Albrecht was successful in advising, attending and operating on the patient. Demmler reports that his wife is doing well, and that despite the serious health issue they have developed a friendly relationship with Dr. Albrecht. He is convinced that his wife would not have recovered so well without that successful surgery and avoidance of stoma.
On the occasion of the company’s 35th anniversary, Demmler decided to dispense with gifts and instead organized a donation campaign for the research project. He underlined the importance of support for cancer research – and the need for public funding – to about 200 guests of the anniversary celebration including clients and business partners, who were pleased to comply with his request.
The TIL project addresses the reproduction of endogenous cells that are significantly involved in defense against and destruction of cancer cells to strengthen the immune defense against colon cancer. The therapy approach is considered a targeted intervention with minimal side effects and based on patients’ individual needs, and a most innovative and promising development in the fight against cancer. Dr. Albrecht reports significant progress from the project: the researchers differentiated specific areas in tumors that are better suited than others to extract immune cells. A scientific publication of findings is scheduled for the end of the year.
According to Nadine Shalala, who is in charge of strategic partnerships and fundraising at the MHB, the MHB university hospitals are proactively involved in research for innovative medicine to strengthen healthcare provision in Brandenburg on a long-term basis. She calls special occasions such as anniversaries of all kinds a wonderful opportunity: “Instead of accepting gifts from congratulators, why don’t you ask your guests for a donation? That would be a joint effort and a valuable contribution to health in general.”
Information: Interested in making a donation? Any questions? Feel free to contact Nadine Shalala via email: nadine.shalala@mhb-fontane.de. Or just use this link.