I find it fascinating the ways in which different people got started in the Caring Clown mode. Let's share some of those stories. It might give someone just beginning a real boost. I'll start:
I truly became a Caring Clown the day a nurse escorted me into the NICU, showed me where and how to don the gown, gloves, and mask required, then asked me to pray for one of her "Ninos" who was all alone in his warming isolette. Of course I did so and left a sticker on his pillow with the nurse's permission so his mom would know someone had been there. Then I turned and saw a mom and dad holding another little one who could barley breathe on his own. Through broken English/Spanish I learned that his name was Hector. Just a brief encounter with that family provided the motivation that it took to get this "loco payasso" hooked on the Caring side of our performance art form. Seeing the joy in their eyes when someone took time to care for their precious one was all the reward anyone could ever hope to receive. I followed Hector's progress as he moved into the other levels of care at the hospital until he FINALLY got to go home after TWO YEARS in the hospital. Lots of good times were shared during those twenty-four months, and I was forever changed.

How about some of the rest of you: What got you started and keeps you going? Never underestimate the power of a smile and a caring moment. Truly, the more you give, the more you receive. Keep up the good work

Hi Chester! Welcome!

My story is long, but I will summarize so you get the idea.

When my mother was battling cancer, we found that humor helped her cope. My wife (Pixie Sprite) joined the AATH (formerly American Association for Therapeutic Humor) to learn more.

As a member of AATH, she received an invite from Dr. Patch Adams to go to China for 2 weeks to clown in hospitals, nursing home, orphanages, etc. She decided to go and I went, too.

The trip included 40 people, some clowns and some, like us, who had never clowned before. Patch and others on the trip taught us about Caring Clowning (bring fun and love to people in a silly costume). We were hooked.

After coming home, my wife volunteered at a Nursing Home and I soon joined her. We now visit twice a month for 2 hours. More than that isn't possible with our schedules, but we love the time we are able to share.

Last year (2003) we went to Mexico with 30 people on a a trip similar to the China trip. These excusrsions are great for sharing, caring, learning, growing, and invigorating the clown spirit in us. We came back energized and highly recommend such trips to everyone.

Hi, Johnny,

That's a great story. Isn't it wonderful that sometimes really life-changing good things come to us out of what appears at the time to be only heartache.
I envy you the chance to clown with Patch. The trips to China and Mexico sound exciting!! The small clown troupe of which I am a part does lots of Nursing Home gigs, and the residents always get a big kick out of us. It warms your heart to bring a smile to another face, and you know that, truly, "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
Keep up the good work, and KEEP HAVING FUN!
BUMP A NOSE
CHESTER

Almost five years ago, I was a happy but struggling print model and actress living on potatoes with a day job selling jewelry. I met and married a wonderful man and got to give up my day job. Life became so wonderful, I wanted to "give back" when I saw an ad in an actor's publication looking for people to be trained as clowns for a troupe at a Children's hospital. Wow! The rest is history...

I started clowning to "give back". No matter how much I give, I always get back more.