Introducing Our 5th Partner Hospital
“For a brief time, we help kids leave the world of sick.”
– Alan Cohen, Hearts & Noses Lead Clown
In March, Hearts & Noses launched a Pilot Program at our fifth Boston-area partner, the Massachusetts General Hospital. We are pleased to have MGH join our roster, which also includes these top-ranked facilities: Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Boston Medical Center, Franciscan Children’s, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Pediatrics.
The MGH Pilot Program began after Hearts & Noses members met with various members of the child life team to discuss how hospital clowns would fit into MGH’s pediatric programs. A plan was implemented for summer/fall 2016. 
The Pilot Program is directed by lead clown Alan Cohen working with veteran clowns Arlene Fruchter and Cheryl Lekousi. The team coordinates their visits with Ashley Reardon, Child Life Specialist on the pediatric floor at Mass. General Hospital for Children.
Reardon describes the setting: “Ellison 17 is an inpatient unit with patients having various medical conditions. Patients typically range from birth to age 8, though we see overflow from the school age – adolescent unit where patients could range up to age 21.”
She adds, “Some visits take place within the playroom or, for patients who can’t leave their rooms due to mobility or precaution restrictions, the visits are in a patient’s room. Hearts & Noses visits once a month and the clowns usually see 5-7 children.”
When possible, visits begin in the playroom, where kids can explore and play. The clowns have been welcomed into this space by children and families for dancing and tea parties. There is a special interactive game that gets everyone moving in the space. One option is to ‘step’ on popcorn to pop it and get points. Clowns love to help kids catch the popcorn and cheer on the popping.
Reardon says the program has gotten very positive feedback across the board. “It’s great to see the quick connections the clowns make with patients,” she said. “This allows patients to feel comfortable, relaxed and open to the clowns’ artful antics which result in innumerable smiles and laughter that can be heard throughout the unit.”