By Chloe Mpinga | Business Development Manager
Laughter is the best medicine. This adage holds true in the hospitals where the wards are filled with laughter thanks to the Jabulani team. Each Jabulani entertainer’s aim is to bring a smile to the children’s faces, through a number of acts including tricycles, juggling, balloon sculptures, magic, face paint and, above all, silliness.
Laughter is known to strengthen the immune system, boost energy, minimise lethargy and decrease stress. These effects are important for both the children suffering from life threatening illnesses and their families, who often need a few minutes of sheer fun to alleviate the stress of being in hospital.
Here are some special stories from our Jabulani's:
Mauro Jabulani:
A doctor approached me and said : “That young (7- or 8-year-old) girl has been here in ICU for the past 15 days and this is the first time I have seen her smiling!” But regularly—as I enter a big ward at the same hospital mentioned above—the kids recognize the outfit, and scream “Jabulaaaaniiii” . . . And those that can jump out of their beds do so, and I get literally swamped!"
Jesta Jabulani:
I find that every time a child or parent laughs, I am contributing and making just a little sunshine in an otherwise gloomy environment. I have learnt a great deal of respect for nurses, doctors and people dealing with adversity.
Radio Jabulani:
Just a few months into being a Jabulani, I walked into a ward at the Steve Biko Hospital where one of the little boys was crying. Being in a playful mood, I decided to make balloons for all the children. Most were boys, so I made balloon swords. As we were playing, the crying of that one little boy became less and less. Eventually he got out of bed and came closer to investigate, at which point I made a balloon sword for him as well. Within a few minutes he had joined the rest of the crew running around with their balloon swords! The sisters were very grateful and said he has been crying for long time, as he had his operation earlier that day. They didn’t think anyone could get him to smile, let alone start running around. That was one of the first memorable moments that made me appreciate and love what I do even more."
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