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Getting the Best Medicine, Plus Laughter
Children's Hospital Campaign
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Over the past decade, clowns have secured a place at Children's and most large pediatric hospitals. More than 15 hospitals include them in their regimen, a testament to laughter as a potent medicine.
As Dr. J.J. and Dr. Baldy explained, clowning in a pediatric hospital requires subtlety. Because some children fear clowns, the Big Apple Circus crew applies makeup lightly. There are no crazy wigs or white greasepaint. Makeup should take no more than five minutes to apply, or it is overdone.
"We're not in-your-face clowns," said Dr. Baldy.
And "reading the room" -- that quick audience assessment a performer makes -- has new meaning for them. Behind every door lies a patient who can be anywhere from a toddler to a teen and might be critically ill. There's often also a family member who might be hurting in a different way. Doctors and nurses come and go, and there can be bulky equipment to dance around.
You develop "heightened listening," Dr. Baldy said. "Each routine becomes unique to the situation."
To help clowns stay fresh and on an even keel, a monthly team meeting that allows them to rehearse routines includes an hour of psychological counseling. Inevitably, clowns get attached to their patients. And not every case has a happy ending.
One thing Dr. Baldy and Dr. J.J. said they always try to do is let the children call the shots. They happily follow orders to "Be an elephant" or "Put your hat on your nose!"
"There is so little these children can control," Dr. Baldy said.
"At least with us, there is something they can control," Dr. J.J. said.
How to Help
In some cases a visit from Dr. J.J. and Dr. Baldy is the highlight of what most of us would call a pretty trying day.
And like advanced surgery or intensive care, clowns are there for everybody. Children's turns no one away, regardless of a family's ability to pay.
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