A Great Start Back at Children’s Healthcare Of Atlanta

I had my first day back as a hospital clown for CHOA at Scottish Rite a few days ago, and I could not have had a better start. Dr. DooHickey and I went to our first hospital unit. As soon as we stepped on the floor, we were greeted with a smile from a familiar face. It was one of the managers on the floor. She said she was so happy that we were back at the hospital. Both Dr. DooHickey and I were very happy as well. She told us how much we were missed and thanked us for returning. It was nice to see a familiar face who wanted us back. As we were talking, a young nurse, who was completely new to me, asked me what those "things were" around my neck. She was referring to my juggling rings. She said, “Can I see those?” I was glad to be engaged with one of the eager hospital staff so well. I said absolutely.  She told me that she knew how to juggle. I gave her my juggling bean bags. Without missing a beat, she took them and started juggling. I took a step back and watched her juggle! It was my first day back at Scottish Rite in six years. I was greeted by a familiar face, and a nurse I  met for the first time was performing for us. She was bringing the circus energy. I couldn’t have had a better start.

I first began working as a hospital Clown in 2000.  It was a time of excitement and endless possibilities. I had landed a job with a Circus that was training my colleagues and me to use our performing and circus skills in Children’s hospitals. This concept was new and exciting for me. It was an opportunity to apply some of the performing, musical, and circus skills I have learned to entertain patients and families in a hospital.

It was my dream job.

Not only was it a wonderful opportunity, but I also felt like I was part of a bigger legacy. Our Atlanta team was part of a circus that began doing this work about 15 years ago. I liked the idea of working for a circus; the teenage version of me would be thrilled at the prospect. Our team did this work in Atlanta from 2000 to 2020.

We were on the verge of celebrating our 20th year of hospital clowning at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta when COVID happened. During the break from working in Atlanta,  I thought about how much I missed the work. I missed playing with the children, interacting with the medical staff, and seeing the parents as they cared for their children. I don’t think I took the work for granted. I was always grateful for the opportunity to do this work. Grateful for the opportunity to bring some joy and levity to the hospital. Grateful for the opportunity to use that artistic outlet to make people happy in a hospital setting. I was always proud of this work, and I still am.

Now, I'm grateful more than ever for the opportunity to put on my makeup, to pick up my ukulele, and washboard. To get my clown props and head out on the hospital floor.

The name of our organization has changed several times over the years. I can proudly say that we are now part of the Laughter League, an organization that has helped us get our footing back in Atlanta, and with whom I am eager to continue working as a hospital Clown. The legacy continues. Earlier this March,  I was in Switzerland at an international healthcare Clown meeting. At this meeting, over 680 artists from 46 countries who do this work were represented.  Amongst them was Michael Christensen, who was the leader of Big Apple Circus Clown Care when I began my journey 26 years ago. He's credited with creating this work. The conference was celebrating the 40th anniversary of the work Michael started.

Dr. Doo Hickey and I had a wonderful day clowning at Scottish Rite. We juggled, did hat tricks, played lots of music, and left a shimmer of happiness traveling through the hospital. I am grateful for the opportunity to once again do the work I love in the city where I live.