With "Stronger Than Fear" ("Stärker als die Angst"), the Arne Friedrich Foundation is releasing a new children's hospice book that offers moving insights into the lives of seriously ill children and their families. The book was designed and illustrated by the branding agency MetaDesign, which realised the project pro bono.
"Stronger Than Fear" – MetaDesign designs children's hospice book
A project that touches hearts
Over the past months, MetaDesign had the privilege to work on a project that truly touches hearts. The idea for the children's hospice book was born from Arne Friedrich's encounters with affected families. It portrays children and young people – their thoughts, hopes, and the small moments that make life worth living despite severe illness. The stories are fictional but inspired by the real-life experiences of the children and adolescents at the Children's Hospice Centre LEO, with whom interviews were conducted beforehand.
With this book, we want to give a voice to the often-unseen heroes. We want to share their stories, make their perspectives visible, and give them the space that they deserve
Together for a good cause
The book was written by ten children's book authors who volunteered to take on the project. MetaDesign contributed pro bono: three employees – Frank Martin Dietrich, Svetlana Petrovich and Nastasja Lutterbeck – took on the design and complete illustration of the book, giving the stories visual warmth and sensitivity.
MetaDesign opened the doors to the MetaHaus in Berlin for the launch evening, where the book was presented for the first time. The evening was moderated by Arne Friedrich and Arno Zillmer, who is active in hospice work himself, and gathered authors, hospice representatives, as well as affected children, young people and their families. The event featured a live reading by actor and Renaissance-Theatre Berlin director Guntbert Warns and created a moving atmosphere, united by a shared purpose: giving these children, adolescents, and their families the space, attention, and visibility they truly deserve.
Design can take a stand. With this project, we want to join the foundation in sending a message of compassion and social responsibility
Availability
"Stronger Than Fear" is now available online at shop.arnefriedrichstiftung.de. The first edition comprises 1,000 copies. Each purchase supports the Caritas Children's Hospice Centre LEO.
Thank you to everyone who was involved in this wonderful project and contributed to making it possible – from the designers and project teams to all partners behind the scenes. A special thank you goes to Arne Friedrich and the Arne Friedrich Foundation for their trust, openness, and inspiring partnership.