Clowns for a cause

Bangalore, August 6, 2022: Milaap.org, India’s largest crowdfunding platform and Narayana Health, India’s leading multi-specialty hospital chains organized a medical clowning session for the children who are being treated at the city’s hospital. Clowning for patients is a new and unique initiative, conceptualized by a volunteering group to help kids suffering from chronic illnesses to heal through humour and laughter.

Medical clowning is a renowned form of therapy for patients who are under treatment for various health conditions. Research shows that it spreads positivity, uplifts the spirit and helps reduce the patient’s or their family’s anxiety. Over the course of Milaap’s work in creating awareness and building medical crowdfunding in the country, the organization is cognizant of the enormous emotional and mental stress the caretakers and patients (especially children) go through during the treatment process. To further extend support to the emotionally distressed families, employees at Milaap have been organizing clowning for patients in several hospitals across the country. Rigorous workshops are conducted to train people to act like clowns and bring smiles to those suffering.

Shibu Prasad Panda who was present at the hospital today, said, ”My child is suffering from Osteopetrosis and is getting treated here at the hospital. We had a good time laughing and interacting with the employees of Milaap, dressed as clowns and spreading joy around. My child loved their tricks and they made us forget our worries. We are also very grateful to all the donors who came forward to donate for the treatment of my son.”

The event today saw around 15 people visit permissible wards of the hospital, and put on colours, wigs and red balls to appear like clowns. There were puppet shows, games and other fun activities throughout the day.