Compassionate Clown

The French philosopher Voltaire said “The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease.” While doctors help nature along, there are a few individuals, who dispense their own brand of healing through humor. They call themselves compassionate clowns.

Gail Wolz is one such clown who routinely takes her humor therapy to the patients of Overlake Hospital in Bellevue.

A patient lying in bed is suddenly surprised as in walks Doctur Geoduck –in hot pink scrub suit, lab coat of red hearts with a rubber chicken on her back, purple hi-tops, and toilet plunger stethoscope for unblocking hardened attitudes. Eyes light up and they’re laughing already.

“Greetings Reclining One.” Gail introduces herself as a hospital volunteer there to encourage humor and laughter. With her huge two-foot plastic scissors in hand, she explains “You get a free haircut after a day or two.” Or she asks “Up for a really bad joke guaranteed not to bust any stitches?”

Sometimes there’s no joking when she senses someone is in a depressed mood. Then she sits and visits, her main role just to be compassionate.

Gail’s journey into the humor business started with her father, a man with a quirky sense of humor. Laughter and humor took on more significance when she got diagnosed with arthritis. She noticed that her physical pain was much less when her spirits were high.

Gail started her humor therapy as a lay minister at her church. With one particular bedridden man she tried visiting in a silly outfit, to rave reviews. He lit up with a big smile and from that point on joyously anticipated seeing what her next outfit would be. Adding humor to compassion was a tremendous breakthrough.

Gail feels a strong sense of mission in her work - bringing a smile to a face and laughter to a heart during a stressful time. Repeatedly she receives confirmation that her visits make a difference in the lives of patients, their families and the staff, who welcome her comic relief each week.

Gail has seen over 11,000 patients in the past 7 years! Generally she is overwhelmingly well received. As a compassionate clown Gail differs from a traditional clown, in that she engages rather than entertains. She doesn’t use make-up and doesn’t do tricks. It’s her intent to look into people’s eyes, listen and be fully present.Gail believes that humor and laughter are tremendous gifts to use for coping with hard times. Her intent is to encourage people to use these gifts.

Photo: Nurse Giggles