Friendship and Laughter are the best medicines so get out there and “Spread Joy Indiscriminately!” Patch Adams
Dear Friends,
Have you heard of Patch Adams? The Gesundheit Institute? Humanitarian Clowning? I'm excited to share that after corresponding with Patch and delving back into my theatre roots, I'll be joining Patch and an international group of clowns for a week long intensive in Mexico City in March 2025.
For this GOCLOWN mission 9th Clowning & Caring in Mexico (there are 2 spots left!) I’ll be part of a group of international clowns that together, with a group of local clowns and students from IBERO University of Mexico City, will explore humanitarian clowning and design, with daily clown visits to a variety of institutions, communities, and streets.
Participants range from novice (myself!) to seasoned clowns and workshops include workshops and lectures such as Introduction to Humanitarian Clowning, Clowning as a courageous act, A Care Pandemic, Clown Techniques I & 2 and Care-clown-giving. I’m seeking support to cover transportation and tuition. Any funds above my goal will go towards clownwear/props to keep the communities giggling. No amount is too small as every dollar towards this dream of connecting through joy, love, creativity and goofiness is much appreciated. Gracias!
CLICK HERE TO DONATE DIRECTLY TO ME OR e-transfer to: kristamuir*AT*gmail*dot*com
TOTAL RAISED AS OF JAN 30: $370/$3100 (Gracias!)
*Those who donate will receive a photo-story update post mission + invitation to a zoom where you can ask questions and I'll share some of the experience. I'll post periodic updates on this page, facebook event and my instagram.
Backstory:
In April 2020 when I was suffering from pericarditis (due to covid) and a simultaneous C scare I came across a Patch Adams Ted talk and delved into his world - The Gesundheit Institute. On the website it said he reponds to all snailmail so I sent him a letter thanking him for his work, telling him a bit about my health concerns and included some of my music - creativity always at the heart of my self-healing journey. To my delight (and surprise!) Patch wrote back and sent me his book "Gesundheit!: Bringing Good Health to You, the Medical System, and Society through Physician Service, Complementary Therapies, Humor, and Joy.” I devoured it and we began a sporadic pen pal volley exchanging books, music and letters. He called me once in 2020, early on in our correspondence, to see how I was doing and invite me to participate in his caring revolution. I vowed then and there that one day I'd meet him in person and participate in one of his clown missions. I've long wanted to heed the call but my own poor health (long covid), and financial constraints kept me from participating. The time is neigh - I'm feeling good so I've decided to carpe diem as I see em'!
Patch Adams: The real life clown doctor who is an American physician, comedian, social activist, clown, and author. He founded the Gesundheit! Institute as a not-for-profit in 1989. Each year he also organizes volunteers from around the world to travel to various countries where they dress as clowns to bring humor to orphans, patients, and other people.Friendship and Laughter are the best medicines so get out there and “Spread Joy Indiscriminately!” Patch Adams