Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Daiichi Sankyo honors patient initiatives with O-Mamori Award 2026

Daiichi Sankyo presented the O-Mamori Award 2026 on 24 April in Berlin. The award recognizes projects run by patient organizations and self-help groups in cardiology and oncology. An independent jury selected eight initiatives, sharing total prize money of 30,000 euros.

The award name refers to Japanese O-Mamori, small good-luck charms associated with protection and confidence. The program aims to make patient-led engagement more visible and to support ideas that improve everyday life for patients and caregivers.

Cardiology winners

In cardiology, two ranked prizes went to projects focusing on family support and practical guidance in living with heart disease.

• 1st prize: “Cuddling Creatures”, in cooperation with Stiftung Kinderherzen e. V. The project supports newborns with heart disease and their families during intensive care stays, including cuddly toys that can store a parent’s scent and voice.
• 2nd prize: “Defi-Telefon” by the association “HERZ IN TAKT Defi-Liga”. The service offers low-threshold phone support for people with an implanted defibrillator and their relatives, provided by volunteers.

Special awards: digital tools and structured education

The jury also presented special awards for innovative formats and excellence in patient education and day-to-day support.

• Special award “Innovative and creative patient support”: the learning app “Krümel-Helden”, developed by Initiative Krümelkiste together with the Federal Association for Williams-Beuren Syndrome. The app is designed to strengthen social skills for people living with rare genetic conditions.
• Special award “Excellence in patient education and everyday support”: “Reha auf Ziel” by the Saxony association for prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease. The project uses a structured, digitally supported training program for lipid management in rehabilitation, including after a heart attack.

Oncology winners

In oncology, the jury awarded projects that provide psychosocial support and relief for families in highly challenging situations.

• 1st prize: “Pro Mater Sano”. The organization supports pregnant patients with cancer as well as mothers with babies or young children, offering psychosocial counseling and help with organizational and family-related challenges.
• 2nd prize: “Auszeit vom Krebs” by Saarländische Krebsgesellschaft. The project provides relief offerings for children of parents with cancer, including regular shared activities.

Holistic support and audience vote

• Special award “Holistic support for patients and their relatives”: “Sonneninsel Seekirchen”, a psychosocial aftercare center supporting families of children with cancer through a multiprofessional approach.
• Audience award: Pro Mater Sano, chosen by participants in a secret ballot.

55 submissions from Germany and Austria

The O-Mamori Award received 55 submissions from Germany and Austria. All applicants presented their initiatives in a poster exhibition, enabling exchange between project representatives, jury members and guests. Jury members emphasized that many initiatives address gaps where medical care alone reaches its limits, particularly in aftercare, family support and psychosocial assistance.