When Final Heartfelt Wishes Come True
A Thank You to the ASB Wish Granters
Some moments stay with us forever. Whenever the ASB (Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund) team sets off with the Wish Ambulance, it’s always an emotional journey. The ASB’s dedicated volunteers accompany terminally ill individuals to fulfill their final heartfelt wishes. These are priceless moments for those involved, leaving a profound impact on their families and friends. To honor the incredible work of the Wish Ambulance, we organized an early Holiday afternoon celebration, acknowledging the initiative and supporting it as a charitable organization.
Social commitment and support: a project that makes a difference
“That’s on my bucket list”—a thought many of us are familiar with. For the wish granters of the ASB Wish Ambulance, however, such dreams grow in completely different dimensions. The people they accompany don’t have much time left in life.
“Giving people at the end of their lives a last chance to reconnect, to fulfill a wish or a dream is something truly special to us as employees.” The warmth in Silke Löser’s voice when speaking of her work is palpable. Her passion for her role at ASB is simply unmistakable. Löser, who has been part of the Wish Ambulance team in the Ludwigsburg region from the very beginning, is the local coordinator.
One of the wish granters is Bianca Jausch. As a trained nurse, she has been volunteering with the ASB for several years. “When I first heard about the Wish Ambulance and its local opportunities, I immediately knew this was what I wanted to do!”
Donations Instead of Gifts: Supporting the ASB Wish Ambulance
At UDG (United Digital Group), we are deeply moved and inspired by the commitment to this cause. “That’s why we are deliberately forgoing Holiday gifts for our clients and employees, and are instead making a donation to the ASB Wish Ambulance again this year,” says Florian Frey, one of UDG’s managing partners.
In 2023, Frey, along with managing partner Mathias Reinhardt, personally visited the Ludwigsburg Wish Ambulance team to present them with a donation. “Today, we’re the hosts, welcoming the wish granters to our agency. It’s about focusing on the people who tirelessly care for others—today, we want to care for them.”
Despite all of our daily challenges with our families and jobs, I am happy to provide some of my time to accompany on the trips. Because time is what our passengers unfortunately don't have much of. The most precious moments are often the small and unassuming ones.
Celebrating Social Projects: Ludwigsburg Wish Ambulance Anniversary
The early Holiday celebration took place in the Glashalle, a historic factory atrium with urban charm. Its steel structures and large glass roof provided a striking backdrop. Normally used for meetings and presentations, the hall was transformed for the occasion with festive lights and decorations.
As darkness fell outside, everything was ready to welcome approximately 35 guests from the ASB Ludwigsburg. Many UDG employees took the time to show their respect for work of the volunteers by serving food and drinks, engaging in conversation about the Wish Ambulance trips, and learning the moving stories behind them.
Thanks for the great commitment
“We invited you here because we deeply admire the work of the Wish Ambulance, the idea behind it, and your commitment. This evening is our way of saying thank you and giving something back to you, the people who give so much to others. Thank you,” said Uwe Todoroff and Michaela Seeger from UDG in their welcoming remarks.
The evening also marked a special milestone: the Wish Ambulance celebrated its 10th anniversary nationwide and its 7th anniversary in the Ludwigsburg region. Under the patronage of the Minister for Social Affairs and Integration, Manfred Lucha, the Ludwigsburg Wish Ambulance team officially began its mission on November 22, 2017—exactly seven years ago.
“Seven years of Wish Ambulance, to the day. I can’t think of a better occasion or a more beautiful setting to say thank you,” Silke Löser told her colleagues. “You never cease to amaze me. Your passion and dedication to make everything possible for our passengers are what make the Wish Ambulance such a heartfelt initiative.”
The deputy national and regional managing director Daniel Groß and Hans-Ulrich Oppenländer with the ASB board of directors also came to honor the volunteers and thank them for their many years of commitment.
The Ludwigsburg Wünschewagen: A Unique Project from the Heart
“Many people avoid thinking about goodbyes and death. When a diagnosis forces the reality of life’s finiteness, it’s an overwhelming challenge for the individuals and their families. While we can’t make someone healthy, we can fulfill a final wish with our journeys,” says Löser, her dedication to the Wish Ambulance clear. “Yes, there are tears. But they’re not just tears of imminent farewell but also of joy and gratitude. It’s indescribable to be able to give someone such an experience and fulfill a heartfelt wish. Even with years of experience, it’s always something special.”
The Ludwigsburg team has grown steadily since 2017, and now consists of numerous volunteers, with plans to expand further. Bianca Jausch smiles, “Fulfilling wishes and spreading joy is so important.” She adds, “Of course, we rely on helping hands and donations to keep going.”
I wanted to grant my grandma a ride of her choice myself, but this was no longer possible. I go on every wish trip as dedication to her.
A Project by the People for the People
To honor the ASB volunteers beyond the evening’s celebration, a film about the Wish Ambulance was created. “We hope it will raise awareness, encourage donations, and inspire more volunteers to join the project,” says Michaela Seeger.
In the film, Bianca Jausch shares a personal story that had a profound impact on her, long before she knew about the Wish Ambulance. The heartfelt words and images highlight the remarkable work of ASB volunteers, and how their efforts provide comfort and joy in challenging times.
Granting Wishes and Lending Strength
Social commitment that continually grows: Anyone interested in contributing—whether as a volunteer or donor—can find more information on the Wish Ambulance website.
“We’re grateful for every single volunteer,” says Silke Löser. Jausch adds, “For us, being a wish granter is incredibly rewarding. Each journey is deeply moving and teaches us so much about gratitude, life, and offers a new perspective. We grow closer as a team with every trip—a truly wonderful experience.”
Teamwork is essential. Often, volunteers meet for the first time on the morning of a trip. Yet, their teamwork is seamless, ensuring that the experience is memorable for everyone involved. Sometimes, it’s the seemingly small moments—a shared moment with loved ones or revisiting a cherished place—that become infinitely more precious. These moments provide strength in difficult times and make each journey a true gift. Faithful to the motto: Dare to fulfill last wishes.
Commitment—not just at Christmas
Would you like to support the ASB Wish Ambulance Ludwigsburg and become a wish granter? You can make a big difference with a donation: Make wishes come true. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, for example: The team looks forward to hearing from you.