In addition to visiting more than more than 3,00 hospitalized children each year, Hearts & Noses Hospital Clown Troupe supports children with illness, disabilities and homelessness through several local events such as the Greater Boston Sickle Cell Association Walk and Holiday Party, and Christmas in the City. Last year Hearts & Noses added the Rett Syndrome of Massachusetts’ Blue Sky Day.
Blue Sky Day was started 8 years ago to honor children affected by Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that impacts the way the brain develops, causing a progressive loss of motor skills and speech. The goal on this day is to lift-up and honor these children’s accomplishments.
Local families with children affected meet at the Center for Life Sciences in Boston and have a ceremony outside on the steps, which represent the struggle to rise above their challenges. During the presentation families, researchers and doctors speak to the children with pride about their individual accomplishments. With these children being dependent on others, they are helped or carried up the stairs to by family members. Fire fighters and local military personnel also assist.
As Hearts & Noses recognizes the strengths of each child, the idea of accomplishment with and without help, and the empowerment that comes from encouragement, the Troupe is honored to support Blue Sky Day once again this year.
The clowns will join 23 local families – attending the ceremony, joining the parade, and helping the kids looking to have some fun with the clowns that many know from the Troupe’s hospital visits.
This year’s event will take place on October 20th.