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.
To the staff at Children’s Hospital, Valentine’s Day also means a visit from one of the funniest couples on Earth. This is the second year the hospital staff and children had the pleasure of seeing Dave and Cherie on Valentine’s Day.
“We absolutely love seeing Dave and Cherie each year,” said Child Life Specialist Lois Simpson. “They are so incredible with all of our patients. They even brought out a chuckle and smile from some of our older teenagers who are treated here. It really was entertainment for all ages. Their wit and quick interaction is so off the wall, you never know what they are going to say or do next.”
In fact, it was Cherie who came up with an addition to their “Goodbye” routine. Along with “See you later, Alligator,” and many more goodbyes, the patients at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger witnessed the first ever “Take care, polar bear.”
Dave and Cherie not only share the love of clowning around, but also 21 years together as a married couple. They participated as clowns in the circus for five years before “running away” and becoming Ambassadors of Laughter. For the last seven years, they have traveled from state to state promoting the upcoming circus.
The circus will be in Chattanooga, March 14-17, at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga McKenzie Arena. Visit www.ringling.com for more information.