By Lia Spencer
IT’S a sad reality that many children from Pakenham and surrounds are fighting the biggest battles of their lives at one of Victoria’s children’s hospitals.
But Clown Doctors are there to try and make those dark days a little brighter.
Inspired by Dr Patch Adams as well as research findings on the benefits of humour, six people started The Humour Foundation in 1996.
They now employ about 60 Clown Doctors who visit 23 Australian hospitals. Professional performing artist Clare Bartholomew has been with The Humour Foundation for 16 years.
Known as Dr Fairy Floss to her hospital friends, she visits four hospitals in Victoria – the Royal Children’s Hospital in Parkville, the Northern Hospital in Epping, Monash Medical Centre in Clayton and Geelong Hospital.
There, the tomboy flying doctor who struggles to fly entertains sick children with her enthusiasm, competitive attitude and clumsy nature. If the kids aren’t up for a fun show, Dr Fairy Floss is happy to have a chat or lend an ear.
“Clown Doctors take their role very seriously,” Clare said.
“They can’t just go into a room with a set routine. They need to understand how the kids are feeling that day.
“Some children on certain days may just need a gentle song, while others may be into something boisterous.”
Dr Fairy Floss and other Clown Doctors not only provide doses of fun, they also help children adapt to hospital life, work in partnership with health professionals, and help to divert children during painful procedures, calm children in emergency and encourage children in physiotherapy.
They are there to make the bad times a little better for the sick children and, inadvertently, help to ease the parents’ pain as well.
“It’s tough on parents. Hearing the news that their child is sick is terrible, then they have to manage their home life and work life,” Clare said.
“Sometimes children haven’t laughed or smiled in a few days, so when we can make their child happy, it lightens the mood and lifts everyone’s spirits.”
There is no denying Clare has seen her share of tough times at the hospital, but she said the role had been extremely rewarding.
“It is one of the best things when you have quite a connection with a child, and they get to go home.
“It’s quite intimate to be part of someone’s journey for two or three years. To be by their bedside and get close to their family. Then to watch them go home is incredible.”
While Clown Doctors have helped a lot of families, Clare said she had gained a lot from the children she has met.
“Children are so resilient. They don’t hold onto things like adults do. They are really strong, don’t give up, and just want to be happy,” she said.
“It’s hard not to be enthusiastic about that energy.”
If laughter is really the best medicine, then the Humour Foundation has healed more than a million hearts.
To learn more about the Humour Foundation, visit humourfoundation.com.au.
