Monday, December 1, 2025

“Plan B from Now On”: A New Podcast Gives Families of Children with Rare Diseases a Voice and Highlights Pathways to Resilience and Relief

Families raising a child with a rare disease or severe disability often navigate a daily reality that remains largely unseen. The new podcast “Plan B from Now On” places parents and siblings of these children at the center of attention – combining lived experiences, professional insights and tangible support.

As a joint project by Stiftung Gesundheitswissen, Philip Julius e.V., and Humor Hilft Heilen, the podcast is designed for families, professionals, and anyone seeking to understand what it means to live with a life-changing diagnosis. It is hosted by journalist Katrin Eigendorf and physician, author, and foundation founder Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen, both bringing deep expertise and empathy to the conversation.

A podcast that strengthens – and moves

From November 27, 2025, “Plan B from Now On” will be available free of charge on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Across six episodes, the series explores themes such as resilience, self-care, communication, relief services, and the role of humor and community in the exceptional daily life of affected families.

The podcast emphasizes a crucial message: Self-care is not a luxury but a prerequisite for stability, health and cohesion. It introduces actionable options for families under extreme stress and highlights support systems that are still far too unknown or difficult to access.

The six episodes at a glance

1. From Love to Knowledge – How Katrin and Jörg Eigendorf Support Other Families After the Loss of Their Son Philip Julius
   The opening episode tells the story behind the founding of Philip Julius e.V. and discusses resilience, grief, and solidarity.
2. Suddenly Everything Changes – Or Does It?
   Two mothers recount the shock of receiving a severe diagnosis for their child. Experts outline what stabilisation and guidance look like in such a phase.
3. Who Breaks First? – Being a Couple in Permanent Crisis
   Shari and André Dietz talk about the balancing act between partnership and caregiving. Experts explain how rituals and external support help strengthen relationships.
4. “Siblings Are Like Cacti” – Growing Strong Despite Difficult Circumstances
   This episode focuses on siblings of seriously ill or disabled children – their needs, challenges, and the often-overlooked emotional burden they carry.
5. One Key, Many Doors – Care at Home or in a Facility?
   Two mothers share their different yet equally valid paths in caring for their children. The core message: there is no perfect solution, only the right one for each family.
6. A Breath of Air – Small Rituals, Big Impact
   Families describe what gives them strength – from children’s hospice support to moments in nature and small rituals in daily life. Experts stress why relief and community are essential for long-term resilience.

Katrin Eigendorf brings personal experience as the mother of a severely disabled son, who has since passed away. Following his death, she and her husband founded Philip Julius e.V. to offer guidance, counselling and relief services for families facing similar crises.

Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen combines medicine, science, communication, and humor. With “Plan B from Now On,” he highlights how essential empathy, resilience, and societal support are for families of seriously ill or disabled children.

“Plan B from Now On” is more than just a podcast. It is a space for orientation, dialogue and empowerment. It gives a voice to families who are otherwise rarely heard, and offers knowledge that fosters understanding, support and societal awareness.