“With this award, we are honoring more than 25 years of exceptional volunteer work on behalf of people with pancreatic diseases, particularly those with pancreatic cancer—in the Ludwigsburg district and far beyond. A milestone in your work was the founding of the association TEB e. V. Self-Help for Pancreatic Tumors and Diseases in 2006. For nearly 20 years, you served as its first chairperson and executive director. You led the federal and state offices in Ludwigsburg and oversaw ten regional groups—all on a volunteer basis,” said Vogt in his laudatory speech. Together with her late husband, Stang built up and shaped the association. With determination, expertise, and great empathy, she turned it into a network recognized nationwide and internationally.
Commitment to World Pancreas Day, which she co-founded in 2014
Under Stang’s leadership, Vogt continued, a diverse range of services emerged, including personal counseling, self-help groups, specialized events, informational materials, and fundraising campaigns. Particularly noteworthy is Stang’s commitment to World Pancreas Day, which she co-founded in 2014. This initiative has helped raise public awareness of pancreatic diseases.
In addition to her professional expertise, Stang distinguished herself above all through her personal connection with those affected—by listening, providing one-on-one counseling, visiting people in the hospital, accompanying them to doctor’s appointments, and discussing medical reports with them. “She provided guidance when people lost their bearings and offered encouragement when the situation was particularly difficult,” Vogt emphasized.
Even after the association was dissolved at the end of 2025, Stang continued her commitment. Since early 2026, she has continued to offer in-person and telephone counseling as well as group meetings in Ludwigsburg. In addition, she is active in the Ursula Zyschka & Katharina Stang Foundation, founded in 2009, which supports people with cancer in palliative care situations.
A Recipient of Multiple Honors
Katharina Stang has already received numerous awards for her dedication, including the Federal Cross of Merit, the Ludwigsburg Medal, and several awards in the
the field of self-help. The district’s Medal of Merit is now another special honor to add to her list.
“For more than a quarter of a century, you have done pioneering work, shared knowledge, connected people, and given hope to countless affected individuals,” said Vogt, paying tribute to the honoree’s achievements.
Through her tireless dedication, Katharina Stang has shown how much a single person can achieve when they take on responsibility and put their knowledge, time, and heart at the service of others, said the Chief County Administrator. The award is an expression of deep respect and gratitude for her outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of self-help.
