Clowns From The “Greatest Show On Earth” Visit Children’s Hospital

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Two-year-old Brooklyn Eakins from Dayton, reaches for a bubble as Dave and Cherie entertain her.
Two-year-old Brooklyn Eakins from Dayton, reaches for a bubble as Dave and Cherie entertain her.

Two clowns from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus toured patient rooms and the play area at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, spreading love and joy to each family they met along the way. 

 

This was the first year they visited the pediatric patients on Valentine’s Day, and it was a tremendous treat.

 

 

“Many of the children are missing their Valentine’s Day parties at school because they are staying at the hospital,” said Child Life Director Wallis Davies.

 

“So, we bring the party to them,” said Dave, one of the Ambassadors of Laughter clowns.  “We think laughter is the best medicine!”

 

Dave and Cherie participated as clowns in the circus for five years before “running away” and becoming Ambassadors of Laughter.

For the last six years, they have traveled from state to state promoting the upcoming circus.  The circus will be in Chattanooga March 15-18 at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga McKenzie Arena.  Visit www.ringling.com for more information.  

Lacey Banther laughs after placing a clown nose on her son, five-year-old Tucker from Harrison. Staff members at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger say it was possibly the first time they saw Tucker smile after the clowns put on an impromptu show.
Lacey Banther laughs after placing a clown nose on her son, five-year-old Tucker from Harrison. Staff members at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger say it was possibly the first time they saw Tucker smile after the clowns put on an impromptu show.

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