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Clowns for Children's Hospital
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Since October 1998, the International Clown Hall of Fame has provided hospital clowns for patients at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Several clowns were selected and trained to be healing visitors for hospitalized children.
Having clowns in the hospital is not a new idea, but these clowns offer unique support to patients and families. Unlike birthday party clowns, hospital clowns offer a moment of lightness, not necessarily slapstick. They often can be seen sharing a quiet moment with a child. Simply being present is one way hospital clowns support patients and let them know they are not alone.
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 What if a child is afraid of clowns?
The wishes and needs of the patient and family take priority over the entertainment the clown brings to the situation. If a child is afraid or not in the mood for a visit, the clown always respects the child's wishes.
How are clown visits healing?
Clowns play and play lets us take a break from whatever ails us. Claiming the role of fool or court jester, there are times clowns can give voice to the unspeakable, such as "I'm mad. I'm scared. Get away from me." By unusual antics, clowns can validate for children that it is OK to be clumsy, odd or frustrated. These feelings are accepted as part of the picture, but not the final word, opening the door for hope.
When do the clowns visit?
Many patients and staff have come to know Thursdays as "clown days" and look forward to the clown visits. Clowns can be reached by families and staff on Thursdays through the Child Life Program at (414) 266-3465.
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Once a month hospital clowns put on shows in a hospital playroom. These shows allow children to leave their beds and participate in a new activity. Parents and siblings also seem to benefit from the diversion.
How do we know it works?
Sometimes clowns can help care givers perform difficult tasks. For example, one child recovering from severe burns was asked by his physical therapist to move and stretch his regenerating skin, a very painful task. He yelled, "No, no, no, I can't." A clown entered and began following the exercise instructions with exaggerated motion while loudly announcing that they were very hard to do. Although still protesting, the child began doing the exercises.
The therapist called for 10 repetitions of an arm extension. Ten came and went and the child kept doing them with the clown. Together they did 30, then 40 - the clown began to perspire and wonder when he would stop. Finally, at 100, it was over. For the first time in a long time the child smiled. He had exceeded everyone's expectations and congratulations filled the room.
Then, the therapist announced it was time to make the walk to the nurses station and back. The child cried again, "No, no, I can't." The clown took a feather duster and dusted off a path toward the door. Ready-or-not a silly parade was about to commence down the hall. Slowly and painfully, the child followed. With wild and crazy steps, the clown led the parade to the nurses station and back. "Can I walk to the nurses station again?" the boy asked. With shaky legs, the hike was accomplished once more. And he smiled.
For more information about Clowns for Children's Hospital, call Family Services at (414) 266-3465.
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