In a heartfelt call to action, F.C. Hansa Rostock has rallied its fans and the broader football community to support former midfielder Tom Weilandt, who is facing a grave health challenge. Weilandt, who played for Hansa from 2003 to 2013, is once again battling leukemia, a disease he had previously triumphed over. Unfortunately, the cancer has returned, and he urgently needs a stem cell donation to aid in his fight against this life-threatening illness.
The announcement came on May 8, 2025, just days before Hansa's home match against Energie Cottbus, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at 14:00. The club has organized a typing campaign to find a suitable stem cell donor, a crucial step in Weilandt's treatment. The typing event will take place on the day of the match, starting at 10:00 AM at the Ostseestadion, where fans can participate in the simple yet vital procedure.
Tom Weilandt's journey has been nothing short of challenging. After initially being diagnosed with leukemia in December 2023, he had undergone extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and surgeries. By the end of 2024, it seemed he had conquered the disease. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the cancer returned, prompting a desperate plea for assistance from his former clubs, including Greuther Fürth and VfL Bochum, who are also holding similar typing campaigns.
Weilandt, now 33 years old, has a storied career in football, having played 59 matches in the second and third leagues for Hansa, scoring eight goals. His career also included stints at Greuther Fürth, VfL Bochum, Holstein Kiel, and most recently, Greifswalder FC. His father, Hilmar Weilandt, a Hansa legend with 283 appearances, will be present at the typing event to support his son.
The typing campaign is open to anyone aged 17 to 55, and the process consists of a quick cheek swab that takes less than two minutes. Hansa Rostock emphasizes that the procedure is painless and straightforward, making it accessible for all fans willing to help. "In den Farben getrennt, in der Sache vereint!" (Divided in colors, united in cause) is the motto the club is promoting to encourage participation.
In addition to Hansa Rostock, VfL Bochum is also stepping up to support Weilandt. The Bundesliga club will host its typing campaign during their home game against FSV Mainz 05 on the same day, May 10, at 15:30, and again on May 11 for the women's team match against Union Berlin. Bochum's call to action reflects a unified effort across clubs to assist a fellow player in need, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity within the football community.
Greuther Fürth is also joining the cause, although their typing event is scheduled for May 24, 2025, during the "Fürther Sportfest für Alle," an inclusive sports event organized in collaboration with the city of Fürth and local organizations. Fans unable to attend the events can still contribute by ordering a free registration kit from the Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei (DKMS) website.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Weilandt's family and the football clubs are hopeful that the campaign will lead to a match for Tom, or at least raise awareness for others battling blood cancer. The community's response thus far has been encouraging, with many expressing their willingness to help.
The Hansa family stands united in this time of need, showcasing the power of community and support that transcends the pitch. As the typing campaign approaches, the anticipation builds not only for the match against Energie Cottbus but also for the potential life-saving impact of the fans' participation.
As the clock ticks down to the game day, the message is clear: every swab taken could lead to a match that saves a life. The football community is urged to come together, not just to support a former player, but to embody the spirit of teamwork and compassion that defines the sport.
Tom Weilandt's story is a poignant reminder of the battles many face off the field, and how the football family can come together to make a difference. With the typing campaign set to begin, the hope is that many will step forward to help not just Tom, but countless others who are in need of a second chance at life.
In the words of Hansa Rostock, "Keiner wird uns jemals trennen!" (No one will ever separate us!), as they call upon their fans to show their support and solidarity in this crucial time.
