The scientist Prof. Frank Lehmann-Horn did not only investigate the opening of ion channels in cells, first and foremost he dedicated his life to create open channels for patients with rare diseases of skeletal muscle for whom no diagnosis and treatment were known in the past. Through his passionate scientific and clinical work, Lehmann-Horn opened new horizons for this group of patients. He always had an open ear for his patients and his open-mindedness for new ideas let him develop novel concepts for disease pathogenesis, diagnostic imaging, and choice of treatment. Furthermore he opened many channels for financial support of the research and established several successful co-operations and research networks around the world.