An evening
full of elegance, music, and heartfelt solidarity: At the 73rd Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball held at the Hofburg Palace, a
new record sum of €118,000 was raised for a good cause. The net proceeds from the sold-out event benefit the WE&ME Foundation,
which supports people living with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome).
At a press event held at “Ströck-Feierabend,” the official donation check from the 73rd Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball was presented
to the WE&ME Foundation by Johannes Steinhart, President of the Vienna Medical Association, and Ball Committee Member
Isabella Clara Heissenberger-Mass. The Foundation was represented by its founders, Gabriele and Gerhard Ströck.
The
Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball is more than a festive gathering – it is a traditional charity event with a clear mission. Each
year, it places charitable giving at its core and supports a selected organization.
Johannes Steinhart,
President of the Vienna Medical Association, emphasized:
“The Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball proves that medical commitment
does not end at the clinic door. The ball is not only a social highlight but also a platform to bring health policy issues
to the forefront – literally onto the dance floor. It unites medical, social, and human engagement – visibly and effectively.
That we were able to do good together again this year, raising a record-breaking €118,000 for the WE&ME Foundation in
2025, shows the power of this event. This donation is a strong signal and fills us with deep gratitude – especially toward
our guests. Because the Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball is not only about celebration, but also about solidarity, awareness,
and tangible support.”
ME/CFS affects not only adults – children and adolescents are also impacted by this severe
illness. Their specific circumstances are often even less recognized publicly. Isabella Clara Heissenberger-Mass, Pediatric
Specialist and Ball Committee Member, highlights:
“Children and young people also struggle with the severe consequences
of this illness, often without adequate medical care or societal understanding. As a pediatrician, it is especially important
to me to raise awareness of this silent health crisis – something we successfully achieved with this sold-out ball. Our event
shows that celebration and compassion go hand in hand, as our guests have supported this charitable mission with great conviction
for many years.”
Record Donation to Support New Research Prize in Collaboration with Austrian Science Fund
(FWF)
“There is still a pressing need for nationwide medical care, specialized contact points, and social security for
those affected, as well as expanded basic research on ME/CFS and post-viral illnesses. We are deeply grateful for this generous
and important contribution from the Vienna Medical Association and all ball attendees, which carries both symbolic and practical
significance. It highlights the urgency for swift action. This record donation will directly fund our new basic research initiative,
the
WE&ME Award. In cooperation with the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), we are establishing one of Austria’s most
highly endowed research awards not funded by the public sector.
The focus lies on decoding the pathomechanism and/or
studying the effects and potential treatments of ME/CFS-PAIS, especially involving the cardinal symptom PEM (Post-Exertional
Malaise). These essential biomedical research projects will be evaluated by the FWF board. The winning project will receive
up to €450,000 in funding from the Foundation. Additional projects deemed worthy will receive further support from the FWF,”
explained
Gabriele and Gerhard Ströck, founders of the WE&ME Foundation.
Thanks to Partners
and Supporters – Save the Date!
Special thanks go to the long-standing sponsors of the Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball, whose
generous support makes such a successful charity event possible:
All
have played a vital role in ensuring that the Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball remains a social highlight and a strong signal
of lived solidarity each year. The Ball’s organizing committee also extends heartfelt thanks to all additional sponsors and
private donors – especially the numerous ball attendees whose generosity made this remarkable donation possible.
Save the date: The 74th Vienna Medical Doctors’ Ball will take place on January 31, 2026 – dance with us once again
for a good cause.The Vienna Medical Association and the Ball Committee look forward to welcoming you!
(Picture from left to right: Markus Reiter/District Chairman of Vienna Neubau, Johannes Steinhart/President of the Vienna
Medical Association, Isabella Clara Heissenberger-Mass/Ball Organization, Gabriele and Gerhard Ströck/WE&ME Foundation,
Martin Uidl/Board Member of the Austrian Doctors and Pharmacists Bank) 
