By Ellen Blessington | Senior Community and Communications Fundraiser
Josie was just 12 months old when she met the Giggle Doctors for the first time, and her mum Katie shares what it was like for her family to meet them during some difficult months of being in and out of hospital, and the difference their visits made:
“The first time we met the Giggle Doctors was when Josie was an outpatient. Josie had been upset after an ultrasound, and we were taking some time in the waiting area. She sat in her buggy with her twin sister, Emily, and we heard the Giggle Doctors before we saw them!”
“Dr Bungee was playing an arpeggio on his guitar and was walking around smiling and saying hello. He had a gentle, calming presence. Josie's ears pricked up and she was intrigued. Dr Bungee, followed by Dr Gubbins, tentatively sat down next to us. At our request, Dr Bungee played and sang Josie's favourite theme tune(from CBeebies) and her eyes lit up. Once she was smiling and responding he got out his bottle of bubbles and blew the best bubbles I have ever seen! Bubbles within bubbles! It was all very impressive.”
“Then he made Josie and Emily a balloon flower each and said goodbye. Josie was only 12 months old at the time and didn't talk much, but she was thrilled to be so entertained. It was lovely to see her enjoying our reactions to everything too. We left the hospital with Josie and Emily much happier and holding their balloon flowers. We were impressed that Dr Bungee's approach was so appropriate and sensitive to what Josie needed in that moment.”
“Another day, six months later, Josie was admitted to hospital after becoming suddenly very poorly. It was a scary and uncertain time for us. During her recovery she wasn't able to walk or talk as much as usual. She had been trying to practise walking around by doing laps of the children's ward and the days seemed very repetitive and boring.”
“Josie had been giving all the lovely staff her best frown. She didn't want to be there. One afternoon she was too shy to enjoy a Giggle Doctor session one to one, but Josie loved watching Dr Muddy Puddle interacting with an older child on the ward. She looked on in amazement as the little girl nearby was full of smiles and giggles. Dr Muddy Puddle made a balloon sculpture and held a presentation ceremony, to award it to the little girl. We clapped as Dr Muddy Puddle handed it over.”
“During the round of applause, there was a moment between myself and the little girl's mum. We both appreciated seeing our children smiling again and being more like their normal selves. We chatted together about our children being poorly and how difficult it was. The next day, that little girl gave her balloon sculpture to Josie. It sat on Josie's hospital bed as a little reminder until we were discharged a few days later.”
“Dr Muddy Puddle certainly brightened the mood on the day. More importantly, she helped us, and Josie, to feel connected to other people, including patients and families. She helped the hospital become more of a relaxed, social space. That down-to-earth human connection, at your most vulnerable time, is powerful because it helps you to embrace the duality of the situation. Things are really rubbish, you're not where you want to be, but in the most difficult of days, there's still humour and joy. I wish every child (and their family) in hospital could be visited by the Giggle Doctors!” – Katie, Josie’s mum
Our Four New Giggle Doctors
After a busy year our “Trainee" Giggle Doctors Amy, Tamara, Ines and Holly have officially graduated to “Junior" Giggle Doctors, meaning they are in their final months of training. Click here to read the full story of their first training year which included studying "The Art of the Giggle Doctor", their graduation day, and exiting next steps of designing their Giggle Doctor coats!
Thank you
We were so grateful to have your generous support and for all of the smiles, giggles and happy moments we are able to bring children in challenging times. We couldn't do it without you.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please feel free to email enquiries@theodora.org or follow us on social media @GiveAGiggle
Links:
By Ellen Blessington | Senior Community and Communications Fundraiser
By Holly de la Nougerede | Southampton Children's Hospital
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