First spray with the fire hose, then onto the bouncy castle. Eight-year-old Raphael from Wuppertal is clearly having fun at the Mutwald Festival on a meadow on the outskirts of Düsseldorf.
Raphael has Down syndrome, says his mother Sandra Bratzel. At the moment he is happy about his success. After several dolphin therapies, Raphael has made great progress.
“He speaks a lot more and has become more independent.” Sandra Bratzel, mother of Raphael
Anticipation of the festival should promote healing
The festival called “Mutwald” was organized for the first time by the Hilden foundation “It’s for kids”.
The idea behind it is to encourage children who are sick or have disabilities during particularly difficult times. They were told long before the event: If you are healthy again or feel better, then we will hold a festival for you.
To build anticipation, they were even shown an animated video of the planned celebration, explains Mike Willmes from the foundation. This helps in the fight against diseases.
“The mindset is really important, that they are in a positive mood.” Mike Willmes from “It’s for kids” in Hilden
Jugglers at the Düsseldorf Mutwald Festival
And now the children are celebrating life at the festival. Some have recovered from life-threatening illnesses, others have made progress in dealing with their disabilities. Now they chase soap bubbles on the meadow or enjoy jugglers and fire breathers. All 49 children are also allowed to plant a tree and hang their wishes on it.
Josephine (6) also enjoys the day. She came to Düsseldorf with her family from Rhineland-Palatinate. While the girl is having her make-up done to look like a bunny, her mother Daniela Brille explains her story.
Josefine showed everyone
“She has a genetic defect,” says Daniela. And be here because she has made an important breakthrough. Doctors told the family that Josephine would probably never learn to walk.
But Josephine runs and she talks and says that she wants to go to the bouncy castle today.
“She’s a happy child.” Daniela Glasses, mother of Josephine
Next year the Hilden Foundation wants to organize the Mutwald again.