We are very pleased that our colleague, Dirk Strecker, was recently awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Several local media outlets reported on this (in German language): JENAmedia and Thüringer Allgemeine. Additionally, there is an Interview with Dirk Strecker in which the family’s daily life is discussed.
Major Distinction for Extraordinary Commitment
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz) is the highest general distinction in the country. It was introduced in 1951 and honors individuals who have dedicated themselves to the common good in a special way – for instance in politics, the economy, culture, science, volunteer work, or the social sector. The Order symbolizes the state’s recognition and gratitude for outstanding societal commitment.
Dirk Strecker is receiving the Order of Merit for his extraordinary commitment as Chairman of the association “Elternmentoren Jena e.V.”, and for his work in pediatric hospice care and in the association “INTENSIVkinder zu Hause e.V.”.
The primary goal of his voluntary work is to provide the families of critically ill children with orientation, respite, strength, and hope. To this end, he organizes aid, facilitates networking, and serves as an experienced contact person for parents and relatives. He also pursued this goal professionally as a Head of Nursing Service in pediatric out-of-hospital intensive care and as a coordinator of an outpatient pediatric hospice service.
An Impressive Journey Through Life
Dirk Strecker is the father of two daughters. His older daughter, Linn, was born with the genetic disorder PCH2. Linn cannot care for herself, cannot walk or speak; at times she requires mechanical ventilation. For 21 years already, Dirk Strecker and his wife have been caring for their daughter at home – 24 hours a day. Through this intensive care, Dirk Strecker became an expert by experience and ultimately a contact person for other families with children requiring long-term nursing care. He became increasingly engaged and networked, and today he plays a leading role in several voluntary projects.
Dirk Strecker is a founding member of the association PCH-Familie e.V., administers the pch2cure.org website, and advises on social media topics. In addition to managing the daily home care of his daughter Linn, he has been volunteering for many years as a regional representative of the nationwide association INTENSIVkinder zuhause e.V., as well as Chairman of the association Elternmentoren Jena e.V.
Walking Difficult Paths Together
It is a priority for Dirk Strecker to increase the visibility of families with critically ill children and to create a strong network. On the one hand, as co-founder and administrator of the forums intensivpflege-familie.de and pch-familie.de – the latter being the forum for families with a PCH condition. On the other hand, in his blog Pflegezirkus (today zitronenbitter.de), Dirk Strecker points out what often remains hidden – and yet resonates deeply with many affected families. With openness, honesty, and clarity of mind, he describes the difficulties of pediatric home intensive care and inspires others to shape their path in a self-determined manner.
