During my 2021 summer vacation in the Allgäu region, my family and I participated in the "Run of Good Hope," a fundraising run to support an organization that works to combat the childhood disease Noma in Africa. We had heard about it indirectly and were eager to participate. Each participant received a yellow T-shirt, which we immediately put on and joined in, even though we only covered a fraction of the distance. But—we were there! Noma is a bacterial disease that destroys the face, and many children suffer from it due to a lack of hygiene, adequate nutrition, and education, and even die if left untreated. These children lose their smiles, which can only be restored later through surgery. I myself was diagnosed with left-sided facial paralysis in February 2021, and my facial expressions were ruined for a long time. So I knew what it was like to lose control of your facial expressions and no longer be able to smile properly. Besides, no one could tell me if I'd ever get my "old" face back. Should I hide? No! As soon as I could articulate myself somewhat again, I was on stage with my band as a singer, with a crooked face and weak knees. I simply told the audience OPENLY what was happening to me. And everything was fine! The shirt always reminds me that it's important not to judge people by their appearance alone and to never lose heart. These days, I'm still a little crooked, but I'm smiling again, and more consciously than ever.
