Introducing the 'Laugh-bulance': A Unique Vehicle of Kindness

A groundbreaking initiative: The 'Laugh-bulance' is a unique ambulance staffed by medical clowns, dedicated to bringing joy to sick children in an extraordinary way. Smadar Shemesh-Harpark, the medical clown at the forefront of this initiative, describes the meaningful activities and writes on her Facebook page: "I may not be a mother yet, but I invest a lot in other people's children, as part of my daily work as a medical clown."

"In my work, I founded a project called 'The Clown Ambulance'. Together with the 'Keshet Wishes' organization, we conduct free activities for children with severe or life-threatening illnesses, taking them away for a day from the difficult reality and long hospitalization."

On this fun-filled day dedicated entirely to children, they can wish for anything their heart desires—and the 'Laugh-bulance' team doesn't disappoint.

"Many wishes involve princesses, fairies, pirates, astronauts, animals, and other dreams every child loves," writes Harpak, reaching out to mothers whose hearts are generous and want to donate Purim costumes to these sweet children.

"This project was born out of a need in the hospital," Harpak shares in an interview with Channel 2. "And it’s a kind of dream come true for me. I began working as a medical clown eight years ago and thought one of the most essential things is to take the kids out of the hospital and let them feel the vibe of real life, reminding them of the true experience of life outside the hospital."

"It may not be a medical vehicle but a clown vehicle, yet the care it provides is unique. Through clowning tools and its character, it can take the child to a fantasy, changing how they and their families perceive reality. Our relationship with the kids is so close, and we accompany them for a long time. Telling a parent to laugh isn't always the point. Often, we just want to express emotion."

"For instance, if a child needs to release aggression and anger due to tough treatments, there is no better target in the hospital for them to take it out on than the clown, as the clown is really a character who can absorb and has no ego. Provoking laughter is just one thing, but there are also other aspects."

According to her, each 'dream' requires a different design of the ambulance. "We completely redesign the ambulance according to the theme chosen by the child, and we want the child and their family to be dressed up - according to the theme the child has chosen. During Purim, I saw how much effort you put into amazing costumes for your children and family, and I wanted to ask if there are any mothers willing to donate their Purim costumes from this or previous years for our activities with the clown ambulance—it could significantly upgrade us and genuinely bring joy to the sweet kids who really need it."