Healing After Heartbreak: Supporting a single Mum and Son

It was with shock and profound sadness that we learnt of the death of our dear friend and colleague, Valentin, early in June.

After graduating with distinctions from the Medical University of Graz, Valentin undertook his ENT training and PhD under the mentorship of Prof Heinz Stammberger. He continued in Graz as an Associate Professor, but also travelled to Toronto for a fellowship and Amsterdam for research. He was an outstanding scholar, a gifted surgeon, eloquent speaker and was generous with his time and expertise. Many have benefited from this on dissection courses and meetings around the world. He was an integral part of the European Rhinological Society, where he served as the President of the Juniors Section, and more recently as the Treasurer.

Perhaps more importantly he was extremely warm, compassionate, thoughtful and generous in his gift of friendship. It is unimaginable that he is gone. Valentin was the best of all of us and will be greatly missed. It is said that pain is the price that you pay for love, and Valentin was so very loved.

He is survived by his parents, his beloved partner, Anita, and his son, Theo. We know that many have struggled to find words to express their sadness and support, but are keen to help. We recognise the increasing costs of childcare and schooling, as well as the additional challenges of being a single parent, and so have opened this ‘Gofundme’ page to raise some money to be used to for Theo’s future education.

Our hearts remain broken for them both, but they will remain an important part of the ERS family.

------------------European Rhinologic Society----------------------------

https://www.europeanrhinologicsociety.org