With the Goiserer 24-hour charity run and his book "Der Hase und der Krebs" (The Rabbit and Cancer), he collects donations for the Upper Austrian Children's Cancer Aid organisation and gives hope to those affected. In this interview, he talks to #schongenial about his motivation, challenges and why it is important to get cancer out of the taboo zone.
#schongenial: David, how did you become involved with Kinder-Krebs-Hilfe Oberösterreich?
David Haslauer: I was already working on various charity projects before my own diagnosis. I've always enjoyed helping others. When I was diagnosed with cancer myself, it made sense for me to do something in this area. Kinder-Krebs-Hilfe Oberösterreich convinced me because I could see exactly how the money raised is used. It goes directly to the children affected and their families, and that is very important to me. You just know that it goes where it is most urgently needed.
#schongenial: One of your best-known projects is the Goiserer 24-hour charity run. What is behind this event?
David Haslauer: The charity run is an affair of the heart. Whilst I was on sick leave, I had the idea of doing something to help others who are worse off than me. In just 30 days - from the initial idea to the realisation - we got the event up and running. It's incredible how many volunteers get involved every year. Over 90 helpers make it possible for the run to run smoothly. In the three previous editions, we have raised a total of over 100,000 euros. This money goes directly to the children's cancer charity and helps families who find themselves in a very difficult situation.
#schongenial: How does it feel to do so much good in just 30 days?
David Haslauer: It was really intense, but also very fulfilling. We all knew that time was short, but the motivation was huge. When we saw how many people took part - runners, helpers, sponsors - I realised that you can achieve great things even with a small idea. It's an incredible feeling when people come together to do something good. And the great thing is that everyone who takes part feels part of the solution. This creates community and gives strength, especially in difficult times.
#schongenial: In addition to the charity run, you have also published the book "Der Hase und der Krebs". Can you tell us what it's about and what the aim of the book is?
David Haslauer: The book came about through an interview with Thomas Schiendorfer. He said my story sounded like a fairy tale. Many people reacted to this newspaper article, and that gave us the idea for the book. After seven revised versions, it was finally finished. It's a kind of modern fairy tale in which a rabbit, known for his adventurous spirit, is pinched by a crab that won't leave him. With the help of a wise owl, the rabbit learns that he has to fight the cancer - and he does.
The book is intended to encourage those affected, especially those who have just been diagnosed. But it is also intended to break the taboo surrounding cancer. It is often not talked about because it is such a difficult subject. But that's exactly what makes it so important to talk about it openly. The book is also a tribute to all those who have lost the battle against cancer. Cancer is not a fairy tale - but we want to show that there is still hope.
#schongenial: What does the book mean to you personally?
David Haslauer: For me, it's more than just a book. It's a symbol of the battle that I and many others have to fight. It's our way of showing that you can't give up, even if the road is difficult. At the same time, I hope that it will encourage people who are just starting out on this difficult path. And of course I am delighted that all proceeds will go directly to Kinder-Krebs-Hilfe Oberösterreich. So the book not only helps emotionally, but also concretely.
#schongenial: Where can anyone interested buy the book?
David Haslauer: It can be ordered online on our website haseundkrebs.at. You can also find a list of all sales outlets there. All proceeds will go to the Upper Austrian Children's Cancer Aid Organisation.
#schongenial: What motivates you to keep going despite all the challenges?
David Haslauer: My greatest motivation is the people we can help. Everyone who faces a challenge in life, be it an illness or another difficult situation, needs support. There are so many people who are worse off than me and I want to show that you can make a difference even in difficult times. It's not always easy, but it's worth it every time you see how much good you can do.
#schongenial: Thank you very much, David, for the interview and your great commitment!
