Il smile it is essential for those who are struggling. Even more so if against the disease. Smiling is able to strengthen the immune system and improves the body's reaction to therapies. During this period of restrictions, a smile shortens distances, especially for small patients. Covid-19 still makes free access to hospitals impossible, but so that smiles are not lost in the wards a group of clowndoctors has found a way to continue its mission: online, on video channels and social networks.
It is the idea of Magic trick Onlus, association of clown therapy animated by actors, improvisers, clowns and dancers who choose to offer time and art to the smile of hospitalized children. During the long coronavirus emergency, in hospitals Male child Jesus (oncohematology departments, pediatric day hospital and Nora ward), Policlinico Tor Written (highly specialized pediatric clinics) e St. Eugene (pediatric high specialist clinic) will be video calls Custom and videos uploaded on social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Youtube) to keep the contact between clowns and little patients alive.
Magicaburla Onlus (www.magicaburla.it) is an association founded in 2008 and since then we have never stopped bringing clown therapy to hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers - Explains Cristiana De Maio, president of the association and clowndottore - At this moment we cannot be physically present in the hospital due to the health emergency that the country is facing. But this does not prevent us from continuing to spread clown therapy through the means available to us. On the contrary, the desire to support children who find themselves living days of solitude in already isolated conditions and suffering is even stronger to accompany them in their recovery process. It is essential for us to give those children who are experiencing difficult hospitalization a moment of normal life. A world made of lightheartedness, smiles, games, because this belongs to children.
Several studies show how much the clown therapy help improve the quality of hospital stay for children. It especially helps to overcome the fear of the white coat. It also has positive effects on parents who feel a little less anxious and stressed as much as possible - in those conditions, their child's smile is an extraordinary panacea. But the clowns in white coats also dissolve the tension between the operators: doctors and nurses as well as parents and children recognize the presence of affectionate help, and in some wards they really feel the need. Not to mention that, chemically, the production of endorphins stimulated by a good mood, it significantly strengthens the immune defenses of the little ones. And not just the little ones.
This is why the Magicaburla association has activated the initiative The smile that embraces: the mass production of films for children to post on social networks, so that they can enjoy the Comicotherapy passive - smile as spectators in essence. The clowns will continue their mission online without sparing themselves on the repertoire: fables drawn from Inventory with Magicaburla, puppets, gags and pills of laughter.
The initiative is essential within the framework of the project 30 minutes of smiles. post-sales service price quotation of personalized video calls. Using the now widespread Zoom app, children can meet live the artists of Magicaburla. The service is dedicated to hospitalized children, but also to those in home care or in a reception home. It is available two days a week: on Mondays from 10 to 12 and on Thursdays from 15 to 17. In this way the comic therapy becomes active again from passive: the little ones can interact and play, and, as far as possible, feel good.
