Laughter is the best medicine – no one believes in this more than duo Iskandar Syah Ismail and Latfy Anuar Latif. The two friends are part of the NGO, Selangor Red Bubbles Children Entertainer Society founded in 2011.
The pair who are professional healthcare workers dress up as clowns to bring joy and laughter to children with life-threatening diseases on a monthly basis.
“Our interaction with sick kids is basically to help reduce their stress and anxiety during their treatment. We work to distract children during painful or frightening procedures through constant interaction of play, imagination, music and physical comedy.”
Iskandar (left) and Latfy Anuar Latif (right) are all smiles with a young patient.
Source: The Star
The idea for the foundation first came about when a friend of Iskandar introduced him to a report on the first clown doctors programme. However, the amount of visits then was lesser. Only in 2015, did the pair make frequent visits as they were sure that their presence was welcomed by fellow patients, families, nurses and doctors.
Since then, the children have grown attached to the duo. As a matter of fact, the kids would express their frustration if the pair are unable pay them a visit on regular days.
Speaking to The Star, Iskandar recalls a memorable moment with a young patient – “The tumour pressed on his optic nerve, and he lost his eyesight. Yet, he still enjoyed our performance by asking us to sing him songs.”
Dr Bubbles aka Iskandar entertaining a young patient with a performance.
Source: Mforum1.cari.com
“And I can still see vividly how he patted his chest repeatedly as he was so happy to hear us singing his favourite songs. When we left his bed to go to the next bed, we all (the clowns) cried behind the curtain because that particular moment was the most beautiful moment we have ever had. It was like a miracle from heaven, ” he added.
His journey as a healthcare clown first started when he enrolled at the Clown Camp in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 2003. However, Iskandar continuously works to improve his skills through studying theatre clowning from figures like Aitor Basauri, Hilary Chaplain and Angela de Castro.
Iskandar’s commitment to cheer up children in need is pretty admirable and noble! Even a simple gesture like putting a smile on children’s faces is worthy of making a difference!
Kudos to Dr Bubbles!
*Featured Image sourced from Blowing Bubbles BlogSpot
