Therapeutic Clown Program

Sparkle retires after 19 years of service

After 19 years spreading joy amongst the halls of the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Sparkle the Therapeutic Clown is hanging up her vest for retirement. Since 2004, Sparkle has been responsible for bringing laughter, play and plenty of smiles to the patients & families who need it most.

Through child-directed play and humour, Therapeutic Clowns assist children and their families to minimize stress, deflect fear, and provide comfort and support in sometimes scary and intimidating health care experiences. Distraction strategies help patients cope with medical procedures and treatments. In addition, she provides social and emotional support to everyone involved in the patient's care.

Therapeutic Clowns empower the child by offering choices, building ongoing playful, loving relationships, and delightful play routines which offer respite from the unfamiliar hospital environment. Humorous interactions often help relieve stress and may open the doors to a wider perspective on a difficult situation; including supporting a patient and family through the palliative process.

Laughter and playful interaction reminds everyone that patients are children first and have the right to play. Playful interactions are empowering and therapeutic for the spirit, allowing children and their families to better cope with hospitalization and treatment.

Therapeutic Clown service at Alberta Children's Hospital is made possible by generous donations from the community to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, in support of Patient & Family Centred Care.