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January 11, 2002/27 Tevet 5762, Vol. 54, No. 17
Red noses nurture healing
MARLENE HYMAN
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 Dr. Mark Brenner uses the power of humor during his visit with Arne Swenson (Dr. Laffingiggl). Photo courtesy of Marlene Hyman |
Although shocked by recent world events, Americans do have much to be thankful for. It is crucial to maintain a positive outlook and make every attempt to keep a sense of humor alive.
Jewish tradition has always encouraged the benefits of laughter in painful times. Recall the wise old saying: "Laughter is the best medicine."
"It gives us power - a new perspective - it helps us cope and provides the strength to get through the most adverse situations when our world seems to be coming apart," states "Jollytologist" Allen Klein in his book, "The Healing Power of Humor."
Following this perspective is a group of people who put on fluorescent red noses to spread hope, warm hearts and make people laugh.
From Washington D.C. to China - and even in Scottsdale - therapeutic clowns help heal with humor.
They're even at Ground Zero. Led by "Clem-T" - John Kapferer, a former general in the Army - the clowns passed out friendship bracelets and heart-shaped buttons, offered hugs, and spent a whole lot of time just being there, "fixing" a corner of the world, a practice better known as tikkun olam.
One person asked, "How can you be here?" Another, who lost two friends said, "Thank God you are. You're spreading happiness, you're giving us hope, we need you."
The firefighters at station #6, thrilled to see the clowns, shared their photos of the men they lost. "Dunchee," also known as Thelma Miller, a Jewish clown from New Jersey, says, "I consider that I'm doing a mitzvah whenever I clown. That's my motivating force."
Another group of clowns just returned from Russia. Last year they visited China. Led by Hunter D. "Patch" Adams, these goodwill ambassadors used mime, magic and music to infuse a healing spirit in hospitals, nursing homes and orphanages, using the common thread of laughter and a message of peace. Stereotypes vanished.
Seventeen-year-old clown Morrighan Clenko of Tucson, says, "World peace is attainable through love, and love lives in the laughter of the children."
"When a child begins to laugh, it means he is beginning to feel better. I see the clowns as healers," says Dr. John Driscoll, Jr., chairman of the pediatric department at N.Y. Presbyterian Babies and Children Hospital.
So, when "Dr. ICU Giggle" (Bill Schulte) was urgently called to heal Joey, he didn't realize that his jolly, uplifting voice resonated so. When this 4-1/2-year-old heard him say "Good morning, Joey," he awakened suddenly with a jolt from a 2-1/2 month coma and ran back and forth in his crib.
"Miracles just happen. It had to be God's work," says Schulte.
Many studies have validated that the mind-body connection plays an integral role in the healing process. It has been said that a hospital patient heals more quickly when he has a park view outside his window than when he does not.
"Humor acts to relieve fear," notes Dr. William Fry, a Stanford University psychiatrist.
Dr. Mark Brenner, a Scottsdale urologist, uses humor with his patients. He says, "they respond to a levity of humor."
His operating room nurses say, "because of it, he's more approachable and upbeat. We try harder (and it) makes us feel at ease."
"Humor is our most effective personal resource. It begins deep within us as an attitude," says comedian Clifford Kuhn. "Let's cultivate a humor attitude."
The following are three humor tips, offered by Clifford Kuhn, professor of psychiatry at the University of Louisville and a comedian who conducts healing seminars with Jerry Lewis:
- Keep a smile on your face at all times - no matter what.
- Be sure to give someone a piece of your heart instead of your mind.
- Laugh at yourself.
One person who follows those tips is "Dr. Laffngiggl" - better known as Arne Swensen - at Scottsdale Healthcare. His warm, genuine and compassionate nature easily changes a sterile, cold space into a multicolored fanfare.
"He brightens up their day, giving them a whole lot more to think about at a time when they feel out of control, isolated. (He offers) a positive distraction. He cares about the staff too. I want this program developed further," says Ionna McDonald, director of volunteer services.
Because the Caring Clown Movement has had such a profound impact on the lives of people everywhere, Swenson has created a foundation that supports training clowns with travel, scholarship and education. The goal of the foundation is to provide a clown in every hospital in Arizona. If interested, contact Swenson at 6986 E. Soaring Eagle Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262.