The opera singer José Carreras collected around 3.3 million euros for his leukemia foundation with his television fundraising gala this year. “It’s wonderful how millions of people show their hearts for leukemia patients and their families,” said 77-year-old Carreras, according to a statement from his foundation.
The 29th charity show was broadcast live from Leipzig on MDR. At Carrera’s side, the moderators Stephanie Müller-Spirra and Sven Lorig led the evening. As every year, the fundraising was supported by stars, including Herbert Grönemeyer, Jeanette Biedermann and Santiano. Actresses like Mariella Ahrens and Ronja Forcher, as well as sports celebrities like ex-professional boxer Axel Schulz, sat on the donation phones.
The money collected will benefit the artist’s foundation, which finances scientific research and social projects. Carreras was diagnosed with leukemia in 1987. A few years after his healing, he founded the foundation. According to the foundation, more than 235 million euros have been collected so far for the fight against leukemia.
