Overview

Behind her outrageous makeup, musical kazoo, and silly tricks, Piccolo the Clown does much more than tell a joke or cause a distraction. She dares to reach out and connect with people during their most vulnerable times - illness and death. Humor and music are the vehicles used to lighten the mood. It is unmistakable after reading her story, that it is the courage and compassion of Kathy, aka Piccolo, that makes the real difference. Her collection of real-life stories demonstrate how humor and personal interactions delivered with sensitivity can change the environment in even the most difficult situations. It's not about the clown, it's always about changing the focus from suffering to relief and helping others step out of their stress by offering moments of laughter and joy. Though it helps that Kathy is a naturally funny person, it is the skills and knowledge she has honed through forty years of experience that have made her a valued and respected member of the hospital health care team. Her pioneering efforts and poignant stories provide testament that the medical team is enhanced by diversity and that the effects of humor can be therapeutic and life altering. This book is as relevant to a broader audience as it is to the profession of humor therapy. It teaches us all about the importance of a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to care. Cathy Burden, Ph.D.

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9780999821107

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Reviews

I couldn't put it down. It was an adventure to travel along the hospital corridors with Piccolo and see her intuitive response to all kinds of situations. I love the humanity and humility of this book! It packs a powerful message about how healthy humor is in such short supply these days. Besides showing the hospital clown at work and all that goes into being a clown, it is a marvelous tribute to the human spirit, the healing power of humor and compassion, and the expression of love through humor to people who really need it. - Dana Glosbrenner, Author of The Lark and Women Behind Stained Glass Sometimes we are called to do something we think we can't possibly do. Then some divine intervention happens to change our life. That is part of the story in this heartfelt and wonderful book that details Kathy Keaton's (aka Piccolo the clown) journey from personal loss to providing healing laughter to thousands. This book will bring joy to your heart. - Allen Klein, Author of The Healing Power of Humor and You Can't Ruin My Day This book is inspiring, insightful, and honestly absorbing. It is full of authentic heart-felt hope based on the experiences of Kathy (aka Piccolo). You'll enjoy reading Kathy's life adventures--some hilarious, some crushing, but all inspiring and motivating to share life, love, and laughs with those around her. - Randy Christensen, Past President World Clown Assn I loved this book! The therapeutic humor and clowning experience of the author, Kathy Keaton, is evident in the rich content and abundant resources found in this treasured book. Her personal story at the beginning will captivate you with insights into her unexpected clown journey. This is a rare kind of book that can be flipped open to any page, treating the reader to captivating stories about Kathy's important work as a therapeutic clown. Patients, family members, and nurses are all featured in her poignant reflections. This book has my highest recommendation. - Mary Kay Morrison, Author of Using Humor to Maximize Living

Author Information

Kathy Keaton works as a Therapeutic Clown at San Angelo Community Medical Center. She is a recognized motivational and humorous Texas Keynote Speaker. She delivers an important message that we all need to hear about how laughter indeed can help us live a happier and healthier life. She includes many examples of the medicinal effects of humor and laughter from personal experiences, and the positive changes laughter can make on our minds and bodies. With her own special method of entertainment, when she speaks, people listen and laugh! Kathy has been clowning for over forty years. Piccolo is a state and international award-winning clown. She is a board member of the Texas Clown Association, was the 2016 chairman for the Texas Clown Convention, and is a member of the World Clown Association. Kathy was one of the first in the nation to earn a certified humor professional (CHP) designation in 2013, after attending the three-year Humor Academy through the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor. For the past nineteen years, Kathy has been the Membership Director at the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. She is also a past member of Rotary International and an award-winning humorous Toastmaster. www.piccolotheclown.com

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