Participant in Thuringia expresses emotions, saying "I wept"
Dorothea Reiße, a dedicated volunteer from Thuringia, will be receiving the prestigious Thuringian Rose award on Monday at Wartburg Castle in Eisenach. The accolade commemorates Saint Elizabeth, who worked in Thuringia over 800 years ago, and is given to individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to their community.
Reiße, a former nurse, moved to Erfurt from Chemnitz in 1961 with a friend. She began her volunteer work at the Helios Hospital in Erfurt in 1999, long before the "Green Ladies" (Grüne Damen) - a well-known volunteer group in German hospitals - were officially established. Her 25-year commitment as a "Green Lady" reflects deep dedication and has significantly impacted patient experience, hospital staff, and volunteer culture over the years.
Reiße would ride her bike to the hospital once a week to chat with patients and listen to their concerns. She formed a close bond with a woman she met at the hospital, who was single and had come from further away. Reiße remembers some humorous anecdotes from her 25 years of volunteering, such as patients asking if the "Green Ladies" were from the 'Green' party.
Reiße's previous life-long experience as a nurse helped her in her volunteer role. She and her friend were able to start working at the former women's clinic in Erfurt quickly due to their training at the Diakonissenhospital in Chemnitz. Reiße attributes her ability to volunteer for so long to the support of her husband.
Minister of Social Affairs Katharina Schenk (SPD) will present the Thuringian Rose awards to the volunteers, recognising their selfless contributions to society. Reiße's work is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities.
While detailed information about Reiße's specific contributions and impact during her 25 years as a "Green Lady" is not widely available, local sources from the Helios Hospital in Erfurt, regional news, or organisational reports from the Green Ladies’ volunteer groups would provide a more comprehensive understanding of her work and influence. Nevertheless, it is clear that Dorothea Reiße's dedication and service have made a significant difference in the lives of many.
Dorothea Reiße, a former nurse and dedication personified, expanded her health-and-wellness care beyond hospital work to implementation within the community as a "Green Lady." Her science-backed nursing experience and deep-rooted dedication to aging patients, combined with her notable influence on women's health, set an example for selfless volunteer work in Thuringia.
