Have you ever had surgery in a hospital? You probably remember the fear and uncertainty you felt before such a procedure. As you can imagine, surgery for children is an even more challenging and significant experience. Fortunately, the Giggle Doctors are here to bring comfort and gentleness to young patients by our “Operation Dreams program. Explore this special healthcare clown experience, and follow Dr. Couette a bit through her working day.
Muriel arrives always early at the Riviera-Chablais Hospital in Rennaz, in South-west Switzerland. At 6.30 h she starts to switch into her Dr. Couette clown coat with all her accessories: pockets full of soap bubbles, plush toys, stickers and her trusty mouse puppet Lili. Next step, she inquires with the ward staff about the surgery schedule, taking also notes. Today, 10 children of all ages are set for operations and are in need of Dr. Couette’s joy and cheerfulness. Ready to go, Dr. Couette is welcoming the first patients, waiting with their families. The hospital environment can be intimidating for small ones, but fortunately, the clown artist is joined by Marie Glasser, the nurse of the day, to lead them to their rooms while flying with her arms.
Smiles, Soap Bubbles and a dog in the ward?
Dr. Couette starts by settling Alexy, he will undergo dental surgery in an hour. The boy watches Dr. Couette with curious eyes, which are lighten up immediately while discovering soap bubbles. He is captivated by the tiny floating spheres, to the point where he forgets about his medical exam at the same time.
The Giggle Doctor returns to the hallway and hears a crying. It’s the little Diar, 2 years old, sobbing in his mother’s arms, clutching a dalmatian stuffed animal in his left hand. The Giggle Doctor gently approaches the boy and Diar slowly gets used to the colorful lady’s presence. Then, he notices a little teddy bear in the artist’s hand. Suddenly, the dalmatian and the teddy bear come to life and play together. The tears quickly turn into laughter that echoes through the pediatric unit’s halls.
Medical Benefits
For the medical staff, the presence of the Giggle Doctor is a real added value, and the benefits on the medical treatment show their positive impact. Timéo, a 1-year old toddler, waits in the next room with his dad and granddad. Joined by anesthesiologist Dr. Dominique Oestreicher, the artist comes to greet him with her trusty sidekick, Lili the mouse. While Dr. Oestreicher examines the child, Timéo plays with Lili.
“It’s much easier when the Giggle Doctors are here. The children are well distracted by all their stories, so they are much calmer. We can put them to sleep in a more relaxed state. I’ve noticed after seeing them again that there is a great benefit, not just for the child but also for the parents” explains Dr. Dominique Oestreicher.
Reassuring Children and Parents
Time flies, the Giggle Doctor has to accompany Alexy to the operating room (OR). She checks on him, and supporting also Océanne, Alexy’s mom, while giving her a massage. The Théodora artist brings out the soap bubbles again before the nurse arrives to take the little one to OR. The boy jumps shortly out of bed and runs to Dr. Couette, who spins around. Alexy tries catching the bubbles; and as his bed rolls to the OR, the hallways are filled with bubbles. One last bubble, then Alexy fell asleep. She also reassures the boy’s mother and shows her the way to the cafeteria. Dr. Couette will meet both again in the recovery room after the operation.
Surgeries with Dreams
Dylan and Enes, aged 4 and 5, are the next little patients welcomed by Dr. Couette in the ward. The artist helps older children dream together during surgery.
Dylan wants to dream about a car race. Couette grabs a bowl and turns it into a steering wheel so he can drive the bed to the operating room. Then she asks Enes what dream he plans to have. For him, it will be a soccer match with his favorite players, one he’ll win 10–0. Amused, Enes’ mother, Ardita, watches the scene: “As parents, it’s reassuring. This difficult moment, when we worry about everything, turned into magic. Everything went very well. Thank you, Giggle Doctors!”
A Positive Hospital Memory
Surgical escorts will continue until noon. Dr. Couette moves between rooms, bringing wonder and lightness to everyone she meets. The children enjoy stories and games, and will remember the hospital adventure fondly.
Some Information About the “Operation Dreams” Program
- Since 2019, the Theodora Foundation has been visiting young patients at Riviera-Chablais Hospital every week, especially with its “Operation Dreams” program.
- In 2023, nearly 1,900 children were accompanied to the operating room in Rennaz by a Giggle Doctor.
Dr. Couette has been part of the Theodora Foundation since 2006, bringing joy and comfort to children for 18 years.
Go to member's website
