Thalidomide
Our Responsibility Today
We acknowledge our responsibility to support individuals affected by the Thalidomide tragedy. Many survivors live with a wide range of often severe physical impairments. As they age, they face increasing health challenges and mobility limitations, which make everyday tasks – such as getting into a standard bathtub or cooking in a regular kitchen – particularly difficult.
To support those affected, the Grünenthal Foundation for the support of Thalidomide-affected people was established. Through ongoing dialogue and active collaboration with those impacted, the foundation works on initiatives to improve their quality of life, considering their evolving needs.
The Grünenthal Foundation for the Support of Thalidomide-Affected People
The foundation's mission is to provide support where it is most urgently needed – to enhance daily life, promote inclusion, and foster continued dialogue with the Thalidomide community.
In our many conversations with affected individuals, we have come to understand how vital mobility and independent living are. As a result, the foundation funds projects that promote personal autonomy and mobility in daily life. This includes, for example, adapting kitchens and private vehicles to individual needs. For activities outside the home, the foundation finances trained assistants.
Since its establishment in 2012, the Grünenthal Foundation has supported affected individuals in nearly 4,500 cases across Germany and many other countries.
The foundation’s services are available to anyone officially recognized as Thalidomide-affected by the German Federal Contergan Foundation or similar institutions in other countries. They can be used in addition to other forms of financial assistance, such as the Thalidomide pension. The Grünenthal Foundation helps bridge the gap between governmental support and the practical, everyday needs of those affected – quickly and without bureaucracy.
Tom Hermes, Dr. Stephan Frings, Susanne Schmitt-Degenhardt and Patrick Thevis, the Grünenthal Foundation team supporting thalidomide victims.
Dialogue for a Better Future
In 2021, Dr. Michael Wirtz, shareholder of Grünenthal, issued a public apology on behalf of his family to the affected individuals and their families. This apology marked a significant milestone in building trust and collaboration between Grünenthal and the Thalidomide community. Since then, the cooperation has deepened.
In 2023, the German Federal Association of Thalidomide Victims and the Grünenthal Foundation launched the Dialogue Forum. Through regular meetings and working groups, this platform enables ongoing exchange, and the joint development of projects aimed at addressing both current and future challenges. The goal is to create initiatives that go beyond individual assistance and bring lasting benefits to the Thalidomide community.
For more information about current projects and available support, please visit the Grünenthal Foundation website.
Preserving the Memory of the Thalidomide Tragedy
The Thalidomide tragedy and the lives it affected have shaped Grünenthal’s history – and continue to do so today. We deeply regret the profound impact it had on those affected and their families. In addition to the support provided through the Grünenthal Foundation, we believe it is essential to address all aspects of this issue and provide comprehensive information about the tragedy. You can find further background and resources on our website: www.thalidomide-tragedy.com.
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