With the aim of raising awareness of Angelman syndrome, we took part in the ‘Blue for Angels’ challenge in February 2026, which was launched by an independent parents’ initiative. At this year’s rehaKIND Congress in Dortmund, we also got talking to the association’s chairman, Mr Holger Müller, through a dedicated member of Angelman e.V. He subsequently invited us to the association’s annual conference.
We were delighted to accept this invitation. So, from 12 to 13 June 2026, we attended the Angelman e.V. annual conference at the Heinrich-Lübke-Haus on Lake Möhnesee in Günne (Germany). To facilitate discussion and exchange, we also brought along our LISA, KARLSSON and GULLIVER therapy and care beds and showcased them in a small exhibition.
A Warm Welcome
As soon as we arrived on the afternoon of 12 June, we were given a warm welcome – some of the children even greeted us with a hug. Whilst we were unloading our beds, we were watched with curiosity by many families and their children, and we immediately struck up conversations with the first visitors.
However, it wasn’t possible to set everything up without attracting attention. Not only was our lorry in front of the building hard to miss – our KARLSSON also had to remain in front of the entrance door, as the doorway wasn’t high enough for it. Under the canopy, however, the bed was perfectly accommodated, as became apparent as the event went on. LISA and GULLIVER found their place in the entrance area of the Heinrich-Lübke-Haus.
Once the work was done, we rounded off the first day in a relaxed atmosphere with many members of the association over a drink at the ‘Klause’.
Presentations, workshops and the FreiStil exhibition
The following morning, Mr Müller opened the annual conference and formally introduced us to the participants once again. This was followed by various presentations and workshops for the members, whilst the dedicated Kids’ Team looked after the children with great enthusiasm. The children played, had a go on the bouncy castles and explored the surrounding area together.
At the same time, all participants had the opportunity to visit our small FreiStil exhibition, find out about our therapy and care beds, ask questions and share their wishes and suggestions with us.
Found her favourite spot
Alongside the many interesting conversations and lovely encounters, one young woman in particular has stayed in our memories. After repeatedly bumping into our KARLSSON at the entrance, she set off on a few exploratory trips into the sleeping cabin. And after several extended stays in our KARLSSON, Celine had finally found her very own favourite spot.
Whilst her mum attended talks and gathered information, Celine – accompanied by her godmother and her grandmother – spent plenty of time in the sleeping cabin. She put the bed through its paces thoroughly before visibly making herself comfortable. The perfect finishing touch was a slice of delicious cake – naturally, also in her new favourite spot.
In the late afternoon, we finally set off for home – delighted by the sense of community, the warmth and the special atmosphere of this event.
Thank you very much
Dear Mr Müller, parents and children,
Thank you very much for giving us such a warm welcome and for allowing us to chat with you – whether it was about our products or simply on a personal level over lunch. We’ve taken many wonderful memories home with us and are already looking forward to seeing you again – perhaps as early as REHACARE, which will take place from 23 to 26 September 2026 in Düsseldorf.
A big thank you also goes to the team at the Heinrich-Lübke-Haus for their fantastic support and warm hospitality.
Your FreiStil Team