When we started this Columbus program in the midst of a pandemic, I made a decision to be in clown as soon as I leave my car. I wanted to increase our visibility because COVID has severely restricted the areas of the hospital we are allowed to visit. It helps me make staff, patients and visitors smile and laugh much more easily. After the shift ends, I walk back to my car, change shoes, take off my doctor coat, hat and nose, and drive home.
Dr Dookickey and I take note of her reaction and continue playing with the other kids present. At one point two little bird heads pop out of Doohickeys’ breast pocket to the delight of the little ones in front of him. I follow the offer with a puppet of my own “Andre” the mouse, who has resided in my pocket since the first years of this work.
Read MoreDr. Noobie and I knock very softly on the door of a teenage patient. We open the door a crack. The room is quiet — silent really — and the only light is coming from the cell phones held by the three young men seated against the wall perpendicular to the bed.
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