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When Michael Christensen, one of the co-founders of the Big Apple Circus, was invited to participate in an event at a local children’s hospital, little did he know that a spontaneous decision to grab a doctor’s coat before going on stage would ignite the spark for the creation of a remarkable organization. This moment of inspiration paved the way for the birth of The Healthy Humour Charity.
The Healthy Humour Charity, co-founded by Karen McCarty, Dina Paul-Parks, and Deborah Kaufmann, is an arts organization dedicated to bringing joy, wonder, laughter, and comfort to hospitalized children and those in need. Dina Paul-Parks explains, “The role of a clown is to always parody the highest authority in a space. Who is more authoritative in a hospital than a doctor? We do this work because hospitals are scary places for most people, even more so when you are a child.” The organization aims to transform the hospital environment by infusing it with laughter and delight, counteracting the pain and fear often associated with medical facilities.
Unlike traditional entertainment, The Healthy Humour Charity employs the tools of comedy, theater, and circus arts to create an interactive and engaging experience. The organization’s performers walk into spaces and utilize whatever they find there to alleviate harm and mitigate the impact of trauma in real-time.
At the core of the Healthy Humour Charity’s operations are the “Red Nose Docs” who collaborate with medical and administrative staff at partner hospitals. These professional artists, including actors, magicians, and improv artists, undergo special training to operate within the hospital environment. They conduct regular visits, known as “Clown Rounds,” during the busiest times to maximize their impact. Integrated into the culture and daily operations of each partner facility, Red Nose Docs spend several hours each day, one or more days per week, depending on the hospital’s size and available funding.
However, becoming a Red Nose Doc is no simple task. These clowns are not simply volunteers; they are highly skilled professionals. The Red Nose Docs go through a multi-layered audition process that includes shadowing Veteran Clowns on the floor. Dina Paul-Parks emphasizes, “To do this work, you have to be able to see past everything and connect to the child underneath, meeting them where they are. It takes a very special — not just talented — artist to be able to do that.”
Dr. Boots, one of the organization’s Red Nose Doctors and a supervisor at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, MD, recalls a memorable interaction with a patient. When Dr. Boots and his colleague Dr. Spats were scheduled to meet a long-term friend named M to help her complete a walking requirement for discharge. When they arrived, they encountered a distraught mother who doubted M. would want to walk due to a particularly difficult day. Undeterred, the doctors used their creative skills to engage the child. Dr. Spats’ whimsical tale about missing elevators and the ultimate solution of climbing on Dr. Boots’ shoulders to fit ignited M.’s curiosity. M perked up and said “Well, I’d really like to see that.” Dr. Spats didn’t miss a beat and said “We can’t do that in here — the room is too small.” Immediately M stood up, put her shoes on, grabbed her IV pole, and led them to the hallway. In the end, the child eagerly led them out of the room, walking alongside the doctors as they paraded, one on each other’s shoulder through the hospital unit. M. completed the required walking physical therapy and was discharged the next day, thanks to the uplifting experience provided by the Healthy Humour Charity.
This heartwarming story exemplifies the countless inspiring moments created by the Healthy Humour Charity, as it strives to fill hospital halls with lightness, joy, and resilience. The organization’s presence fosters a calm and hopeful environment, resulting in increased compliance with treatment protocols, improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and an enhanced overall patient experience.
Looking to the future, the Healthy Humour Organization aims to double the number of hospital partners within the next five years. Additionally, they have expanded their initiatives beyond hospital floors to include Community Connections workshops, fostering positive interactions between police officers and young people. The organization also plans to develop a program for rapid deployment to communities affected by natural or man-made disasters. Finally, they seek to grow and diversify their field, recognizing the strong European legacy of clowning. Achieving these goals will require partnerships with individuals and institutions that possess greater platforms and resources.
As the Healthy Humour Charity continues to spread laughter, hope, and healing, their impact on the lives of hospitalized children and communities in need remains immeasurable.
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