The Wilhelm Foundation was founded by Mikk and Helene Cederroth in connection with their eldest son Wilhelm’s funeral. Naming the Foundation after Wilhelm was a natural and deeply personal decision.

Wilhelm lived with an undiagnosed disease and passed away at the age of 16. His two younger siblings, Hugo and Emma, were also affected by the same undiagnosed disease. Emma died one year after Wilhelm, at the age of six. Hugo lived two more years and passed away at the age of ten.

All three children lived without a diagnosis. Their lives, and their legacy, are the reason the Wilhelm Foundation exists.

Wilhelm, Hugo, and Emma loved Disney films, especially The Lion King. Wilhelm’s love for the film was so strong that Helene painted Lion King motifs throughout his room—on walls, furniture, and textiles—always as freehand drawings inspired by the story.

When creating the Wilhelm Foundation logo, it felt natural to draw inspiration from The Lion King. The logo is inspired by a scene in which Rafiki believes Simba is gone, but then realises he is alive by seeing his outline reflected in a tree.

The logo represents remembrance, presence, and hope. It reflects the Foundation’s belief that love and purpose continue beyond loss, and its commitment to ensuring that no child, no adult, and no family is left without answers.