Former football professional Dennis Diekmeier delivered emotional words to his cancer-stricken daughter Delani at a gala in Kitzbühel, praising her as a role model. The 15-year-old is bravely fighting a tumor and metastases. The family received an award and shares positive moments despite the serious illness.
Dennis Diekmeier, a 38-year-old former football professional, spoke touching words to his daughter Delani at the 'Kinderlachen Christmas Gala' in Kitzbühel. The 15-year-old, the eldest of four children of Dennis and Dana Diekmeier, was diagnosed in January with a tumor in her adrenal gland. After surgical removal, doctors found metastases in both lungs, and Delani was temporarily classified as a palliative patient. The parents sought new specialists and found an innovative treatment at the University Hospital in Würzburg.
Recently, the Diekmeiers received the good news that Delani can celebrate Christmas at home. She underwent Imaza therapy, in which a radioactive agent is injected and absorbed by tumor cells—with initial successes. At the gala, Diekmeier emphasized his daughter's strength: «My daughter is a huge role model for me. Dana and I always cried our eyes out in the evenings, and Delani looks at us and says: Mom, I'm one of the under five percent: I can do this.» He continued: «Delani, you are—for you know it—a brutal role model for me. This strength you have is truly incredible.»
The family was honored with the 'Mountain Award.' Diekmeier posted a video of the speech and award on Instagram, writing: «Faith and love move mountains.» In an interview with 'Bild,' he said: «We were thrilled to be invited. These moments of happiness do Delani so much good. She doesn't want to be locked away but to enjoy life.» He praised her positive energy and fighting spirit despite the illness. Such events provide the family with precious moments of joy in difficult times.
