Mumbai, Apr 25: special evening filled with compassion, courage, and humanity: For the first time, the DKMS Gala took place in Germany—the very place where the organization’s history began in 1991. More than 400 dedicated supporters gathered at the Haus der Kunst in Munich to show solidarity with patients. The event was an overwhelming success, raising more than 1.5 million euros for lifesaving work in the fight against blood cancer.
The hosts of the evening were Dr. Peter Harf, founder of DKMS and member of the Board of Trustees, along with his daughters Katharina Harf, Chair of the DKMS Foundation Board, and Viktoria von Wulffen, member of the Board of Trustees.
mong the prominent guests of the evening, which was hosted by Katharina Harf, were Francis Fulton-Smith, Uschi Glas, Joshua Kimmich, Joachim Löw, and Richy Müller.
A key part of the program was the auction, moderated by Barbara Schöneberger and Nils Ole Oermann. What made it special was that the bids supported specific DKMS projects—such as providing sick children in India with access to so-called MRD diagnostics. This is a highly sensitive test capable of detecting even the smallest remaining leukemia cells.
The DKMS Gala builds on successful events in New York and London and now brings this special commitment to Germany for the first time—the place where it all began 35 years ago. The goal of the evening was to raise lifesaving awareness and generate vital funds to further advance DKMS’s international dedication to overcome blood cancer.
The event was held under the patronage of Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, who said: “For 35 years, DKMS has stood for solidarity in action and genuine social cohesion. This work deserves the highest respect. That is why, as Minister-President, I have wholeheartedly taken on the patronage of the first DKMS Gala in Germany.”
A legacy that saves lives worldwide
DKMS was founded in 1991 by Peter Harf—prompted by his wife Mechtild’s diagnosis with leukemia. At the time, a bone marrow transplant was her only chance for a cure. A personal promise to his wife, who died from a relapse, gave rise to a global movement. To this day, this legacy continues to save lives around the globe. More than 13 million potential stem cell donors are now registered at seven locations across five continents, having made more than 135,000 second chances at life possible. An emotional film commemorated Mechtild Harf and her story. “When we started, it was a very personal mission—driven by the desire to save lives. Today, especially on an evening like this, when we come together to remember while also offering hope, I am once again deeply aware of what has grown from it,” says Peter Harf. “Remembering Mechtild touches me deeply—and at the same time, it fills me with great gratitude to see that our loss has turned into a global movement that gives so many people a second chance at life.”
Moving first meeting with the lifesaver
A particularly moving moment was the first in-person meeting between the cured patient Eva from Thessaloniki and her lifesaver Sabrina from Braunfels in Germany. Sabrina had already registered as a donor at the age of 17—inspired by her parents’ commitment. Years later, she received the news that she was a potential match. Even when it became clear that a bone marrow donation was necessary, she decided without hesitation to help. Through her selflessness, she gave Eva a future. “A courageous decision turned into hope, hope turned into life—and a bond has formed between two strangers that will last forever. For me personally, this brings things full circle,” says Katharina Harf. “When I was young myself, I lost my mother to leukemia. Seeing that a child today has the chance to grow up, laugh, and dream is a deeply moving moment. It shows what is possible when people stand up for one another—even across all borders.”
Eva was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2022. After an initially successful treatment, she suffered a relapse and had to temporarily move to Athens with her family to receive a lifesaving stem cell transplant. Today, Eva is healthy, full of energy, and back in school. She traveled to Munich specifically for the gala, accompanied by her parents.
At the end of the evening, music star LP took the stage. LP has supported DKMS for years and was met with cheers and thunderous applause.
All proceeds from the evening go toward DKMS’s global work—from registering new donors and funding medical research to improving access to transplantation for patients.
Markus Söder concludes: “I am particularly pleased that Bavaria is playing a pioneering role here: Last year, more people registered as potential stem cell donors here than in any other federal state. That is a strong sign and makes it clear: Together, we can save lives and give hope—in Bavaria, throughout Germany, and worldwide. Support DKMS by registering or donating and help advance this lifesaving work.”
The DKMS Gala 2026 thus stands for far more than a festive evening: It is a powerful signal in the fight against blood cancer—and a call to save lives together.
The DKMS also received special support from the Aschenbrenner family, the Randlkofer family, Dallmayr, Douglas, JAB, and Porsche, whose commitment made for an unforgettable evening for the guests and supported the work of the DKMS.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone for their tremendous commitment!
