Hearts & Noses has been clowning with the Natick, Framingham, Sherborn Relay for Life for 12 years. Each year while clowning around the track, the clowns meet and gather children to join them in the walk as a ‘clown-a-round’.
On Saturday afternoon, May 19th, three clowns joined by a junior troupe member attended the Relay for Life in Framingham. Tic Toc, Bumble, Georgia and her grandson, “Toothless” Bob, braved the rain and cool temps to make some laps around the track to hand out red noses and cheer on participants of the annual American Cancer Society-sponsored event.
The clowns quickly made many new friends who happily accepted foam noses and received high-fives from the clowns while wearing the noses on subsequent laps. Bob and Tic Toc had a footrace, Bumble shared shiny stickers with just about everyone she met, and Georgia kept everyone in line. Tic Toc looked on as Bumble learned to play Spikeball. Then the pair did some stretching with the group of helpful teens. Thank goodness Tic Toc was there to help Bumble up after one stretch slid along the wet grass into a split! The clowns really enjoyed all the teenagers they encountered, telling lots of jokes and even learning some new ones!
Given the Troupe’s long association with this event, new friends were not the only ones the clowns encountered. Tic Toc, a.k.a. Cheryl Lekousi, reports “I was in the main tent chatting and playing with a few kids who were drying off from their rainy walk when a Mom came over and asked if we visit the Bone Marrow Transplant unit at Floating Hospital. Her son came over and remembered us but asked for Dottie and Fuddles. He had many visits from Hearts & Noses clowns during his long stay. It was wonderful to see him enjoying the day and supporting others who are still going through treatment.”
Although the rain was steady the group kept on, occasionally dancing along with the hip ‘80s songs played by the DJ, often cheering on dedicated participants cruising along the track, and always happy to stop and pose for a picture with participants of all ages. In all, the clowns were thrilled to be asked back for another year of fun and foolery. While the day was filled with games, food, and fun, the clowns were able to connect with survivors and families as well as walkers.
Relay for Life Team Captain Kathy Ruiz-Demco is grateful for the continued partnership of Hearts & Noses. “For more than 10 years, Tic Toc and her Clown Troupe have participated in the American Cancer Society’s annual event to raise money to fight back against cancer. You spread love, laughs, giggles, and bubbles to lighten the mood for survivors, caregivers, and so many who have been touched by cancer. Thank you for sponsoring Clown N’Round Workshops with the kids and recruiting so many relayers to join in and walk the Clown N’Round Theme Laps over the years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support and all you do to help kids battling cancer and other illnesses.”
This year’s new location at Bodwitch Field in Framingham housed many enthusiastic groups who enjoyed music and a magic show in the main tent as well as a variety of fundraising items for sale along the track. A dynamic feature was the Jail where one could pay $2 to arrest someone who was then escorted to a fenced area. Once there, it cost $5 to get released. Thankfully no clowns were jailed. Other fundraising items included fascinators made in honor of the Royal Wedding which took place that morning, a great many ponchos — a steal at $3 each, and a photo booth made to look like an Instagram post. This clever frame was a hit with the clowns. Tic Toc was quick to send her pic out on her banana (she couldn’t afford an Apple).
Next year the clowns hope for drier weather but they will be back regardless to ‘clown-a-round’ and to support survivors, those in treatment, and their families with the special brand of humor only healthcare clowns can bring.
Article submitted by Katy Bland-Brooks, a.k.a. Bumble.