Prix Sana 2025: turning difficult life events into help for others
Everyone should get to start their life free from worry or fear. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case – that’s when support from people like Dina Hediger and Monika Bodmer is needed. The Fondation Sana awards the Prix Sana in recognition of their great commitment and enthusiasm.
10.11.2025
As a charitable foundation operating in the healthcare sector and a shareholder of the Helsana Group, the Fondation Sana uses the Prix Sana to honour people who are committed to their fellow citizens and our healthcare system. Their initiative and passion send out key signals to our society. This year’s two award winners use their experience and knowledge to help others who find themselves in difficult life situations. They were honoured at a special award ceremony in Zurich on 8 November 2025.
Better care for premature and sick babies
If babies have difficulties adjusting after birth because they were born prematurely or sick, this is often associated with fear and uncertainty – Dina Hediger knows this from her own experience. With her organisation “Frühchen & Neokinder Schweiz” (Premies & Sick Newborns Switzerland), she offers specialist information and support for parents, is committed to prevention and, with more than 80 volunteers, provides direct support to families in large hospitals in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. She is also involved in research and support projects and represents the patient’s perspective. Dr Christoph Hamann, who nominated her for the award, says: “She is an excellent example of how the needs of those affected can be better heard in the healthcare system and incorporated into treatment.”
Helping people using animals
Despite a difficult childhood of violence, sexual abuse and neglect, Monika Bodmer found the strength to help others. Together with other association members, she visits children’s homes, institutions for children with cerebral palsy, retirement homes and seriously and terminally ill people with her animals. In particular, children with similar experiences to hers find connection and security through the work with dogs, tortoises, guinea pigs and horses. “It’s important to me to break taboos and talk about difficult topics. Particular attention must be paid to children, as they often fall through the cracks. I want them to have a solid foundation in life, and I want sick and dying people to have support as well,” says Monika Bodmer.
To date, the Fondation Sana has awarded the Prix Sana 37 times to individuals and organisations, with prize money totalling CHF 410,000. The award is always presented at a special prize ceremony. This year’s prize is worth CHF 15,000. Rolf Leutert, Chair of the Board of Trustees, emphasises: “Our award winners are committed to helping others and are changing lives as a result. This year, we are awarding the prize for the fourteenth time, as an expression of our appreciation and recognition of exceptional commitment.”
Nominations for the next Prix Sana
Do you know someone who has taken the initiative and committed themselves to the health and well-being of others? Then do not hesitate to nominate them for the Prix Sana 2026. Nominations of groups and organisations are also welcome. You can submit nominations via the website, www.prix-sana.ch, until 31 March 2026. Three entries chosen at random will win CHF 1,000 each.
More information on the stories of the winners with photos and videos can be found at www.fondation-sana.ch/prix-sana-2025.
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