Doyle’s Journey: The Long-Term Impact of the Clown Doctors
Just weeks after he was born, Doyle was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, leading to countless hospital visits, surgeries and treatments during the first year of his life.
Then the unimaginable happened.
At only one year old, Doyle went into renal failure. His best chance at living a long and healthy life was a kidney transplant.
Just before his third birthday, Doyle received a kidney from his dad, Dave – a gift that saved his life. But this gift came with a lifelong need for medication, constant medical care, and recurring hospital visits.
Fourteen years have passed since the transplant, and despite the seriousness of Doyle’s condition, there have been many moments of joy and laughter thanks to the Clown Doctors.
Doyle receives much of his care at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide, where he has enjoyed visits from the South Australian Clown Doctors team: Dr Bananas, Dr Blot, Dr Yum-Yum, Dr Dodo, Dr Fancy Pants, and Dr Gum Nut.
‘I can remember when Doyle had his kidney transplant, he was in Intensive Care. I wanted to be at the bedside of Doyle, and be with my husband while he woke up. But you can’t be in two places at once. It was really hard. The Clown Doctors went into Intensive Care, they played the ukelele softly and were singing songs, and while they were singing songs to him, I didn’t have to be, I could go over and see my husband and let him know that the transplant had worked,’ shares Liz.
Over the years, the Clown Doctors haven’t just supported Doyle. They have also brought joy to his family, offering much-needed relief from the emotional weight they have carried for nearly two decades.
‘Many years ago, we were stuck in hospital while my sister was dying from cancer. Having the Clown Doctors come and entertain Doyle allowed me a few moments to myself to have a good cry in the toilets and then come back to get on with the job of looking after him,’ shares Liz.
In early 2024, 16-year-old Doyle was diagnosed with Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD), bringing with it more challenges, but Doyle still finds joy in the familiar faces of the Clown Doctors.
Liz believes the long-term emotional benefits of the Clown Doctors are immeasurable. ‘I believe that for Doyle long-term, his memories of the fun times will help ease the memories of the hard times. Psychologically, I think the Clown Doctors have helped him realise that even in the darkest times, laughter is a way forward.’
As a family, the Clown Doctors have given them more than laughter – they’ve offered a sense of normalcy. ‘The Clown Doctors helped our whole family by lightening the mood and allowing us to forget about being sick. We have a few moments to laugh and be a regular family,’ Liz explains.
Doyle’s journey is far from over, and his family knows there will be more hospital visits, more treatments, and more challenges ahead. But with the Clown Doctors by his side, Doyle has learned that even in the midst of pain and uncertainty, there is always room for laughter.
‘We want so much for Doyle that I couldn’t possibly put it all in writing. I want him to live a life filled with hope, laughter, love, and adventure. In fact, these are some of the attributes I believe the Clown Doctors are trying to instill in everyone they meet,’ adds Liz.
For Doyle, the Clown Doctors are more than just a distraction from the hospital – they are a reminder that, even when life is hard, joy can always be found.
Make a Donation Today
Please provide your personal details so we can send you a consolidated tax receipt and update you on our work and how your donation is being used. At The Humour Foundation we are committed to protecting the privacy of any personal information you provide to us. For information on how we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information please see our Privacy Policy here
Your Donation Makes a Difference:
Your donation will directly support the Clown Doctors program, enabling us to bring laughter where it is unexpected, yet most needed to children in hospitals across the country.
With your support, we can:
Expand our reach to more hospitals and communities, giving more sick children access to the healing power of humour.
Provide ongoing training and support for our Clown Doctors, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to support people when they are often at their most vulnerable.
Develop new programs and initiatives to meet the evolving needs of children, families and carers in our hospitals.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Don’t miss your chance to make a difference this festive season! Your support can help bring smiles to the faces of sick kids and make their hospital experience a little brighter. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to laugh, connect and experience joy.
