Married with three children, 61-year-old Madam Ellen Toh, is a housewife who does household chores and cook for the family daily. Every last Saturday of the month, with a red nose, rainbow-coloured afro wig and some makeup, the former teacher transforms into Tellie, the clown who sings and tells stories. One of the four pioneer clowns in the Caring Clown Unit that was formed in 2004, she visits KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital wards monthly without fail together with other volunteers to bring cheer to patients, caregivers and staff. Last year, they also started Clowning at Birthdays (CAB), a tie-up with Star PALS (Paediatric Advance Life Support), a paediatric palliative care service dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, in the comfort of their homes. While taking care of her mother with dementia is challenging, being a clown reminds Madam Toh to face each new day with humour and courage. On the International Day of Happiness (Mar 20), The Straits Times executive photojournalist Neo Xiaobin looks at how a motley crew of volunteer clowns like Madam Toh bring joy, laughter and comfort to people who need them.
Story published in The Straits Times on Mar 20, 2017 (straitstimes.com/singapore/laughter-as-medicine)