Have you ever undergone surgery in a hospital? You probably remember the anxiety and uncertainty you felt before such an intervention. As you can imagine, surgery is an even more challenging and significant experience for children. Thankfully, the Giggle Doctors are there to bring comfort and gentleness to young patients, guiding them through the “Operation Dreams” program. Join Dr. Couette on an extraordinary morning where magic and kindness turn fears into laughter and much more.

6:30 a.m., the sun is about to rise. Muriel steps through the doors of Riviera-Chablais Hospital in Rennaz. Once she arrives at the pediatric unit, she begins to prepare by putting on her Dr. Couette outfit and all her accessories. With her pockets full of soap bubbles, stickers, stuffed animals, and her trusty puppet Lili the mouse, the Giggle Doctor inquires with the nurses about the children scheduled for surgery. Today, 10 children of all ages are set for operations and are in need of Dr. Couette’s joy, cheerfulness, and kindness. After taking a few notes and joking with the nurses, it’s time to welcome the first two little patients. Alexy and Diar are already waiting in the room with their families. The hospital environment is intimidating for these two little ones, but fortunately, the artist from the Theodora Foundation is there with Marie Glasser, the nurse of the day, to lead them to their rooms while flying with her arms.

Soap Bubbles and a Dalmatian

The artist starts by settling Alexy, who came with his mother and his aunt. In an hour, he will undergo dental surgery. Curious, he watches Dr. Couette. That’s when she brings out the soap bubbles. Alexy’s eyes light up. He is captivated by the tiny floating spheres, to the point where he forgets about the machine meant to take his blood pressure.

Once the medical exam is over, Dr. Couette leaves the room and hears crying in the hallway. It’s the little Diar, 2 years old, sobbing in his mother’s arms, clutching a dalmatian stuffed animal in his left hand. The Giggle Doctor gently approaches the boy and shows him a sticker-filled notebook. The child slowly gets used to the colorful lady’s presence. Then, he notices a little teddy bear in the artist’s hand. Suddenly, the dalmatian and the teddy bear come to life and play together. The tears quickly turn into laughter that echoes through the pediatric unit’s halls.

Medical Benefits

Time flies when you’re having fun, and the third child has already arrived. Timéo, 1 year old, is in the next room with his dad and granddad. Joined by anesthesiologist Dr. Dominique Oestreicher, the artist comes to greet him with her trusty sidekick, Lili the mouse. While Dr. Oestreicher examines the child, Timéo plays with Lili. For the medical staff, the presence of the Giggle Doctor is a real added value, and the benefits on the medical treatment show their positive impact.

“It’s much easier when the Giggle Doctors are here. The children are well distracted by all their stories, so they are much calmer. We can put them to sleep in a more relaxed state. I’ve noticed after seeing them again that there is a great benefit, not just for the child but also for the parents” explains Dr. Dominique Oestreicher.

Reassuring Children and Parents

No rest for the Giggle Doctor, it’s almost time to accompany Alexy to the operating room. She checks in on how he and his family are doing. The Giggle Doctors not only bring support to the children but also to their parents. Océanne, Alexy’s mom, confirms this while receiving a playful massage from Dr. Couette. Before the nurse arrives to take the little one to the operating room, the artist from the Foundation brings out the soap bubbles again. The little boy quickly jumps out of his bed and runs toward Dr. Couette, who spins around. Laughing, Alexy runs after the bubbles, trying to pop them. Before long, it’s time to head to the OR. As his bed rolls gently toward the operating room, the hallways are filled with iridescent bubbles. One last bubble, and Alexy must go for a “nice long sleep.” Dr. Couette will meet him in the recovery room after his operation. In the meantime, she reassures the young boy’s mother and shows her the way to the cafeteria.

Back in the pediatric wing, Dr. Couette welcomes the next two patients: Dylan and Enes, aged 4 and 5. For older children, the artist’s trick is to create a dream together that they’ll have while sleeping during the surgery.

Dylan wants to dream about a car race. So, Couette grabs a cardboard bowl and transforms it into a steering wheel so he can drive the bed to the operating room. Then she asks Enes what dream he plans to have. For him, it will be a soccer match with his favorite players, one he’ll win 10–0. Nothing less! Amused, Enes’ mother, Ardita, watches the scene: “As parents, it’s reassuring for us. This difficult moment, when we worry about everything, turned into magic. Everything went very well. Thank you, Giggle Doctors!“

A Positive Hospital Memory

These surgical escorts will continue until noon. Throughout the morning, Dr. Couette has juggled between rooms, the operating room, and the recovery room, bringing wonder and lightness to everyone she met. Thanks to her, the children experienced fantastic stories filled with magic and games, leaving them with a good memory of their hospital adventure.

Some Information About the “Operation Dreams” Program

• Since 2019, the Theodora Foundation has been visiting young patients at Riviera-Chablais Hospital every week, especially with its “Operation Dreams” program.
• In 2023, nearly 1,900 children were accompanied to the operating room in Rennaz by a Giggle Doctor.
• Dr. Couette has been part of the Theodora Foundation since 2006, bringing joy and comfort to children for 18 years.

“Operation Dreams” in Video

Year after year, the proceeds from the sale bring laughter and precious moments of happiness to numerous young patients. Thank you very much for your support.

Have you placed an order and have a question? Please contact:

Give a smile to children

In these difficult times, it is more important than ever for us to stay positive and spread smiles for the children. That is why we have decided to have the Week of Happiness also this year.

The children in the hospital need us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help and solidarity!

From 20 March – the International Day of Happiness – share your smile on social media and give moments of happiness.

Every smile shared offers happiness to children in hospital or in an institution for children with disabilities.

1 photo posted = 1 child visit

How to participate?

Share your smile on social media from 20 to 27 March.

Important: Your account (Instagram) or post (Facebook) must be public so that we can find your picture!

For every shared picture, the Main Sponsors Helsana and Kägi, the Co-Sponsors Ferring Pharmaceuticals, FNAC Schweiz, Lidl Schweiz, Nestlé and Visilab as well as the Supporters Adent Dental Clinics, Bison Schweiz AG, Degussa Goldhandel AG, Denner, Intuitive and Novartis donate 20 Swiss francs to the Theodora Foundation.

This amount allows our Giggle Doctors to give important moments of happiness to a child in hospital or in a specialised institution.

We would also like to thank our media partners blue and Pathé Cinemas for the visibility offered.

Note: By participating, you agree that we may use your photo free of charge in the promotion of this campaign. This is very valuable for us to make your social commitment in favour of the children in the hospital available to the public as an example or inspiration.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support!

2’910 moments of happiness offered to children in hospital

True to its mission to bring magic and smiles to children in hospital, the Theodora Foundation organized the 9th edition of “Week of Happiness” from March 20 to 27. more than 2’910 photos were shared on social media in 7 days, a record. For each photo posted, a child will receive a happy visit from a Giggle Doctor. This incredible surge of solidarity will allow more than 2’910 children to receive a visit from Giggle Doctors. With nearly 70’000 children hospitalized each year in Switzerland, the Foundation’s mission is more relevant than ever.

For the ninth time, the Theodora Foundation organized a digital campaign from March 20 to 27 in conjunction with the International Day of Happiness. For one week, Internet users were invited to share their most beautiful smile accompanied by a Theodora heart and the mention @Theodora Foundation. Thanks to the support of the sponsors, each selfie uploaded allowed the financing of a visit of a Giggle Doctor to a child (20 swiss francs).

Happiness on social media

A total of 2,910 photos were shared in just 7 days, mainly on Facebook and Instagram. Many smiles were also shared on the professional platform LinkedIn and on TikTok. Theodora Foundation was able to count on the support of many online creators and personalities, such as Barbara Bertoli who followed Dr. Na-Na during a visit to La Tour Hospital. Her video showed the importance of the work of the Foundation’s professional artists and highlighted the impact of this digital campaign. Other personalities such as professional footballer Jean-Pierre Nsame, comedian and singer Priscilla Formaz, content creator Peter Bollinger, journalist and host Mélanie Freymond and others supported Theodora’s mission during the week.

Barbara Bertoli at La Tour hospital to follow the work of the Giggle doctor Na-Na, during the week of happiness

Thousands of smiles of solidarity and a record

“With this action, we wanted as many people as possible to share moments of happiness, because it is always important to spread joy. These shared smiles allow us to offer 2,910 children and their families precious moments of laughter and joy,” explains André Poulie, founder of the Theodora Foundation.
This number of photos collected exceeds the figures of previous editions. The Foundation reached a new record of people having mobilized for this action. A mobilization which shows the impact of the Theodora Foundation.

Bus for selfies

During this week, a joyful wave of solidarity spread online, but also in the streets of Switzerland. The Theodora Foundation’s “Smiling Bus” collected hundreds of smiles on March 23 in Bern. This colorful bus, provided by Helsana, main partner of the Week of Happiness, allowed passers-by to participate in the campaign by taking a selfie.

Numerous Helsana employees volunteered to help with the event, as part of a corporate volunteering scheme. Sabine Beck, Head of Sponsoring, says: “We are proud that, thanks to our commitment, we will be able to offer many visits by Giggle Doctors to children in hospitals and special institutions again this year. What could be more beautiful than a child’s laughter, especially when a Giggle Doctor puts a smile on their face?”

Week of Happiness Sponsors

From March 20 to 27, every photo shared on social media with the heart Theodora and the mention @TheodoraFoundation offered the joyful visit of a Giggle Doctor from the Theodora Foundation, thanks to the support of the main sponsors: Helsana and Kägi as well as the co-sponsors Volg, Lidl Switzerland, Servier, Visilab and the supporters: Adent Cliniques Dentaires, UCB Farchim, Degussa, Denner, Intuitive and Novartis

All these sponsors have committed to donate 20 francs to the Foundation when each selfie is published.

Theodora Foundation warmly thanks the sponsors for their support, as well as blue and Pathé Cinemas for the visibility offered.

Thank you for your loyalty and your solidarity

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this action. These moments of shared happiness will allow our Giggle Doctors to offer thousands more to thousands of children who need it more than ever 🧡🙏

Spread happiness on social media

1 interaction = 1 smile for a child in hospital

For the 10ᵉ edition of the Week of Happiness, a new concept has been created. This year, we invite you to interact with 8 videos that will be published from March 20 to 27 on the Theodora Foundation social media channels. One video will be published each day. Our videos will be published on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

How to participate ?

For every interaction with the videos, our principal partner, Helsana , and co-partners : Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Romande Energie, Volg, Lidl Suisse, Degussa Goldhandel Suisse, Visilab and the supporters : Adent Cliniques Dentaires, Denner, Carglass, UCB Farchim, will make a donation to the Theodora Foundation, up to CHF 55,000.

The money raised will be used to offer cheerful visits from Giggle Doctors to children in hospital or in special care centers.

We would also like to thank our media partners blue and Pathé Switzerland for the visibility they offer.

The Week of Happiness near you

The “Smiling Bus” will be present on March 21 at Waisenhausplatz in Berne and on March 23 at Europaplatz in Zurich. At both events, you will have the chance to meet a Giggle Doctor, leave with a photo and interact with the 8 videos thanks to a magic buzzer. This year, Theodora’s presence will also extend to French-speaking Switzerland thanks to its co-partner Lidl, with a stand set up in the Lidl parking lot in Etoy on March 23. A Giggle Doctor will also be present, as will the orange buzzer to interact, live, with the videos of the Week of Happiness.

Thank you from the bottom of our heart!

2,750 moments of happiness for children in hospital

True to its mission of bringing magic and smiles to children in hospital, the Theodora Foundation organized the 10th edition of the “Week of Happiness” from March 20 to 27. A new concept was introduced for this year. This year, the Swiss population was invited to interact with 8 videos published on the Foundation’s social media channels. Each interaction (likes, comments, shares) with these videos helped to bring a smile to a child in hospital. A total of 10,504 interactions were counted on Theodora’s social networks. This incredible wave of solidarity will enable more than 2,750 children to receive a visit from the Giggle Doctors. With over 70,000 children in hospital every year in Switzerland, the Foundation’s mission is more relevant than ever.

Happiness on social media

This year, the Foundation invited a variety of participants, including children, Giggle Doctors, collaborators, former patients, healthcare professionals and influencers, to answer the question “What does happiness mean to you?”. Their touching answers were compiled into 8 short videos produced by Theodora. These videos were published daily on all the Foundation’s social media channels from March 20 to 27 (one video per day).

What made these videos so unique was that they didn’t just spread joy on social media, they actually offered smiles to young patients when they were liked, commented or shared. Indeed, for every interaction with the videos, the campaign partners* committed to make a donation to the Theodora Foundation to fund the colorful visits of the Giggle Doctors.

A total of 7,970 likes, 1,375 comments and 1,159 shares were recorded, mainly on Facebook and Instagram. Numerous interactions were also collected on the professional platform LinkedIn as well as on TikTok and Twitter. Thanks to all these interactions, Theodora received CHF 55,000 from its campaign partners. André Poulie, founder of the Theodora Foundation, is delighted: “With this initiative, our aim was to encourage as many people as possible to share and offer moments of happiness, because it’s always essential to spread joy. Thanks to these interactions with our videos, we will be able to offer 2,750 children and their loved ones precious moments of laughter and dreams.”

The Theodora Foundation was able to count on the support of numerous content creators, including Barbara Bertoli, Peter Bollinger, Vivienne Oesch and journalist Mélanie Freymond.

Similing Bus

During the week, a joyful wave of solidarity spread online, but also in Swiss cities. The Theodora Foundation’s “Smiling bus” garnered hundreds of likes on March 21 in Bern and March 23 in Zurich. The colorful bus gave passers-by the chance to meet a Giggle Doctor, leave with a souvenir photo and interact with the 8 videos thanks to a magic buzzer. This year, Théodora’s presence also extended to French-speaking Switzerland thanks to its co-partner Lidl, with a stand set up in front of Lidl in Etoy on March 23, where 856 likes were counted.

As part of the Corporate Volunteering program, many employees of Helsana, the campaign’s principal partner, volunteered to help out at the Berne event.

Thanks to our campaign partners

For every interaction with the videos, our principal partner, Helsana , and co-partners : Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Romande Energie, Volg, Lidl Suisse, Degussa Goldhandel Suisse, Visilab and the supporters : Adent Cliniques Dentaires, Denner, Carglass, UCB Farchim, made a donation to the Theodora Foundation, up to CHF 55,000.

The money raised will be used to offer cheerful visits from Giggle Doctors to children in hospital or in special care centers.

We would also like to thank our media partners blue and Pathé Switzerland for the visibility they offer.

Our warmest thanks to all the participants for their wonderful support!

Numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of laughter and play in healthcare settings. The presence of professional artists, known as «Giggle Doctors» for the Theodora Foundation, not only improves children’s psychological well-being but also creates a more healing-friendly environment. Let’s explore the benefits of Giggle Doctors for hospitalized children.

Unique appearance and approach

What makes a Giggle Doctor so unique? Giggle Doctor, dressed in his colourful coat, is a unique creation of the Theodora Foundation. Inspired by live arts and clowning arts, the Theodora artist is specially trained to work in healthcare settings. With their human skills and mastery of artistic disciplines, they bring moments of laughter, play, and escape to hospitalized or children with disabilities. Working hand in hand with healthcare professionals, they positively contribute to children’s well-being and help them in their healing process. This unique approach transforms the hospital environment and brings many benefits, which we will explore together.

The power of play

In an unfamiliar place, with medical constraints, children often feel anxious and have limited play opportunities. Play, a fundamental right under Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is essential for a child’s development. The Giggle Doctor addresses this need by opening a window into the imagination, allowing young patients to reclaim their role as children. Through play and humour, the professional artist not only brings joy but also promotes cognitive development in children.

Giggle Doctors are a valuable support in treating sick children and have become indispensable in everyday hospital life.

Dr. Philipp Jenny, President of Pediatric Switzerland

Emotional Support

In 2016, research by Vagnoli et al. on the benefits of laughter in healthcare showed that this positive atmosphere helps children overcome anxiety and fear. In 2021, Markova et al. showed that artist visits also provide emotional support to parents, giving them a moment of relief and comfort during medical challenges. They explain that when parents are calmer and more optimistic, it positively impacts the child’s behaviour.

The magic of distraction

The positive effect of interaction also helps distract children from pain and anxiety. Artists are often called upon by healthcare staff to support young patients during a medical procedure or to help them take medication.

At Riviera-Chablais Hospital, young Even was lucky to receive a visit from Dr. Kravat’ just in time for his blood test. Focused on his game with Kravat’, the boy was able to relax and even forget the pain of the procedure. Meanwhile, the nurse completed all the necessary blood samples in peace.

The artists master the art of turning difficult moments into fun games, which has a powerful distracting effect. For example, during their weekly visits to Inselspital in Bern, a nurse asked Dr. Pirouette and Dr. Carusela to distract a little boy so he could take his medicine. Without missing a beat, they created an imaginary party and toasted with all the children present. The boy, caught up in the game, drank his medicine in one gulp. Mission accomplished for the child and the nurse!

As a mom, I’m happy to see Levi having fun when he’s in pain, and I’m glad he can forget his discomfort for a while.

Mirjam Lieberherr, mom of Levi

Encouraging Mobility

The distraction brought by the interaction between the Giggle Doctor and the child is also a great way to encourage the child to become more mobile and sometimes even get out of bed.

At that moment, they forget the pain and start moving more or sit up.

Pediatrician at UKBB (anonymous quote)

Support During Medical Procedures

A Giggle Doctor present during a medical procedure acts as a bridge between the child, their parents, and the medical staff. They facilitate good interaction and build a trusting relationship that is essential for the smooth delivery of medical care, as explained by researcher Masetti in 2016. Hospital staff often mention better cooperation from children and parents, which leads to a calmer and more effective treatment process for caregivers and doctors.

The «Operation Dream» program was specifically developed to support children before and after surgery, turning the surgical process into a fantasy journey, where the children and their parents can relax.

Scientific studies, such as the one by Raisin et al. in 2023, have shown that the Giggle Doctor is as effective as sedation in reducing the anxiety and pain associated with a medical procedure, thus reducing the need for premedication in children. Additionally, the presence of an artist helps reduce the procedure time by allowing better management of time and medical resources.

My 15-month-old son had to undergo surgery. I was very anxious. He was crying in pain. When Dr. Turlutût arrived, we both smiled again. A big thank you to both of you.

Mirnesa Livadic Besic, mom

Brightening Hospital Memories

Giggle Doctors’ visits transform the hospital environment and thus improve the hospital experience. They break the monotony of hospital routines with moments of joy and distraction, creating positive memories. Shortly after their visits, many children talk about the Giggle Doctors, recreate their games or jokes, and ask to see them again.

I worked in an oncology ward. The children always knew exactly when the Giggle Doctor was coming, and they were always excited. Sometimes they would already be waiting at the door.

UKBB Nurse (anonymous quote)

In 2018, a statistic by Weber revealed that more than 50% of children surveyed said the positive effects of Giggle Doctors’ visits lasted several days. These long-lasting positive memories help children overcome their fears of the hospital environment. Reducing anxiety makes future interactions with the hospital easier, even into adulthood.

Relief for Healthcare Staff

The presence of Giggle Doctors provides real support for healthcare staff. The joy and energy brought by the Theodora artists create a more pleasant work environment and a breath of fresh air during intense periods.

The «Emergency Giggle» program aims to ease the anxiety of children and parents while reducing the perception of waiting time, offering significant support to healthcare staff.

When a Giggle Doctor is on duty in the emergency room, it means less stress for everyone: first for the child. They are distracted and sometimes even forget they are in a hospital. But also for the parents. If the child is doing well, the parents feel better too. And finally, for us, the medical and nursing team, it allows us to work better.

Patrick Haberstich, Chief Pediatric Emergency Physician at Aarau Cantonal Hospital

The numerous benefits presented above demonstrate the positive impact of the Giggle Doctors’ unique approach. By offering a more human and empathetic perspective on medicine, this approach significantly improves the healing journey of young patients.

Discover many more benefits and links to scientific articles:

Markova, Gabriela; Houdek, Lukas; Kocabova, Zuzana: To the Operating Room! Positive Effects of a Healthcare Clown Intervention on Children Undergoing Surgery, in: Frontiers in Public Health 9, 20.04.2021, S. 653884. Online: <https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.653884>.

Masetti, Morgana: The ethics of joy in the hospital context, 2016.

Raisin, Galiya; Cohen, Rachel; Galant, Orit u. a.: Medical clowns versus sedation for paediatric urinary catheter insertion—A randomised pilot study, in: Acta Paediatrica 112 (6), 06.2023, S. 1319–1323. Online: <https://doi.org/10.1111/apa.16733>.

Vagnoli, Laura; Conceiçao Pinto Antunes, Maria da; Masetti, Morgana u. a.: Is laughter the best Medicine?, Lidergraf 2016. Weber, Janina: Mehr als ein Lachen? Über die Auswirkungen von Spitalclowns auf hospitalisierte Kinder – Eine Eltern-, Spitalpersonal- und Clown-Perspektive, Universität Basel, 2018.

Weber, Janina: Mehr als ein Lachen? Über die Auswirkungen von Spitalclowns auf hospitalisierte Kinder – Eine Eltern-, Spitalpersonal- und Clown-Perspektive, Universität Basel, 2018.

All Giggle Doctors wear a colourful, whimsical, and personalized coat. However, behind each unique costume are the skilled hands and creative minds of Lydia Pfister and her team. For over 30 years, Lydia Pfister, a seamstress for the Theodora Foundation, has been transforming fabric into true works of art. Discover the secrets behind creating the beautiful coats for the Giggle Doctors in her words.

Lydia, how did you become a seamstress for the Foundation?

At the time, I was looking to volunteer or donate some money to a foundation. I saw an article in a newspaper about the Theodora Foundation, and I found the project fantastic. So, I tried to contact André Poulie and his Foundation. Since I was working as a stylist, André asked me to make a hat for one of the artists. And that’s how I made my first piece: a gavroche-style hat with a little puppet inside for Dr. Isidore.

What is the process of creating a Giggle Doctor’s coat?

The creation process starts with the delivery of trainee coats to the future Giggle Doctors. During the first training module, we bring these coats to the artists so they can take their first steps in the hospital. At that point, there’s already a brief introduction to the coat, especially in terms of hygiene. Then, during the second module, we do a full presentation of the coat so they can start imagining their character and incorporate a bit of their costume. I give them all the necessary information on the Theodora coat, which is the same for all countries: meaning the orange heart, orange buttons, and badges. The third step happens at the workshop, where we create together. Usually, the artist comes in with lots of ideas, and it’s up to me to offer possibilities to bring them to life. I create sketches, then we draft patterns for the designs that will go on the coats. After I finish the creative work, my seamstresses take over. Each coat takes at least 15 hours of work.

How many coats have you and your team created?

I’ve done a little calculation and I’ve come up with 420 different designs and patterns. So over the years, we’ve sewn about 1,250 coats. Each artist receives two coats, and after several years of work, they can change designs, requiring the creation of new coats.

The first sketch for the artist is really my favourite part.

What are the most common challenges you and your team face?

The biggest challenge is being able to bring the artists’ ideas to life and deliver a coat that meets their expectations. Another big challenge is ensuring that children react when they see the artists arriving in their costumes.

What’s your favourite moment during the creation of a coat?

I have several favourite moments. The first, of course, is the interaction with the artist when we imagine and build the coat. And obviously, the first sketch for the artist is really my favourite. And the moment when the artist leaves the workshop happy. That’s the most important thing. I also enjoy when my seamstresses arrive here at the workshop, and we work together. It’s fantastic to have that connection with them. I love imagining the children’s reactions and trying to see through their eyes.

What’s the most unusual request you’ve received?

One day, Dr. Zazoo asked me for a theater curtain on his back that could open with drawstrings. He wanted to pull a string on the side to open the curtain. I think that was one of the most eccentric coats. There was another one too: we really created a 3D bird’s nest on the shoulder. In fact, nothing is too outlandish, we can do anything. We always find a solution. The seamstresses would say to me, “You sometimes make us do things that are a bit special, but we always manage.”

Do you have an anecdote about making a coat?

Dr. Méli Mélo came with drawings made by her child, which we put on her coat. It was really poetic and truly beautiful. For Dr. Couette, we created a small cushion. During visits, she can take it out of her coat and give it to moms so they can rest for a little while. That’s a really sweet story.

How has the Giggle Doctor’s coat evolved over the past 30 years?

Thirty years ago, we often took patterns we liked and simply applied them to the coat. Over time, the artists have really developed their characters. Now, they come with a complete character, where the clothes they wear underneath match the designs we put on the coat. Everything matters: the clothes, the hat, the makeup.

How do children react when they see the coats?

The artists sometimes tell us stories. For example, Dr. Bidule never knew where to put his accessories in his coat. So, we made him lots of little pockets, each with a design that matched what he was putting in his coat. So, if he had a small pencil, we put a little pencil on the pocket. Or he had a small pocket with glasses on it because he put his glasses in there. And that way, he could find his things. And he had a lot of fun with the children because it led to funny stories.

How do you feel when you see the coat worn for the first time?

When I see the coat worn for the first time, it’s always emotional. The coat is the finishing touch of the character.

Is there a coat you’re particularly proud of?

Just one? Impossible… The most beautiful coat is always the last one. We always say, “Oh, that one, it’s the most beautiful.” Whether it’s simple or very sophisticated, we always enjoy finishing it. Sometimes, I have trouble letting go of the coats and think, “I’d like to keep it a bit longer.”

When I see the coat worn for the first time, it’s always an emotion.

Do you have a memory that stands out from your time with the Foundation?

In 2013, for the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, about 200 Theodora artists, fully dressed from head to toe, gathered on Federal Square. We saw 200 coats at once, and that was amazing!

What does the Foundation mean to you?

In a way, it’s part of my life. Thinking about children who are in hospitals and being able to give them moments to breathe—it’s fantastic. Thank you to the Foundation for all these children.

Watch the full interview in the video:

For its new campaign, the Theodora Foundation and its Giggle Doctors offered hospitalized children the opportunity to participate in a creative workshop entitled “Behind the Curtain“. The workshop transformed their hospital room into the setting for a magical adventure that brought a film to life.

In June 2022, young patients from the Lucerne Children’s Hospital and the University Hospital of Vaud (CHUV) participated in the new creative workshop “Behind the Curtain”, in the presence of the Giggle Doctors of the Theodora Foundation. The children were asked to use their imagination to create a unique story… a story of a symbolic quest to find the stolen colors of the rainbow.

From this unprecedented approach came a documentary, which immerses us in the hospital environment, through the creative workshops led by the Dream Doctors; and a film, “Rosie and the Rainbow”, made from the children’s ideas.

Conceived as an experiment, “Behind the Curtain” is an immersion in the special relationship between the Giggle Doctors and hospitalized children, but also the proof that a child, whatever his situation, will always surprise us and see things differently. An invitation to escape.

Take part in this journey on behindthecurtain.ch.

We hope you enjoy your screening! 🧡

This year has been rich in smiles, happiness and joy brought to the little patients of Switzerland. More than 112,000 visits from the Giggle Doctors were offered to children in hospitals and specialized institutions.

• Our Giggle Doctors have made 92,000 visits in hospitals  

• 20,000 visits were made to institutions within our different programs 

• We laughed and dreamed for 20,560 hours with the children  

• 2,865 selfies were posted during the week of happiness  

• Our artists visited 33 hospitals and 27 specialized institutions throughout Switzerland 

• And countless smiles were given to children and their families 

Bring laughter to hospitalized children with your orange smile

1 shared selfie = 1 visit for a child

The Week of Happiness is back again this year. Thanks to this online campaign, spread joy, positivity and especially smiles for hospitalized children. To do so, share your most beautiful orange smile on social media from March 20th to 27th. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help and solidarity!

Download the heart to cut

Or use our Instagram Filter “Hearts of Theodora“

How to participate ?

Each published smile will bring happiness to children in hospitals and specialized institutions.

Please note: your Instagram account or Facebook post must be public for us to find your photo. If you have a private account, you can send us your selfie in a private message.

For each photo shared, our main sponsors, Helsana and Kägi as well as co-sponsors Volg, Lidl Suisse, Servier, Visilab and supporters : Adent Cliniques Dentaires, UCB Farchim, Degussa, Denner, Intuitive, Novartis, commit to donate CHF 20 to the Theodora Foundation, up to a maximum of CHF 64,000.

This amount will make it possible to offer a happy visit from a Giggle Doctor to a child in hospital or in a specialized institution.

We also thank our media partners blue et Pathé Cinemas for the visibility offered.

Important note: By sharing your selfie, you agree that we will share it again during the week and publish it at the end of the campaign in a giant collage with all participating photos. See last year. Each photo shared provides unforgettable moments of happiness for hospitalized children. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support!

In 2023, the Theodora Foundation had the pleasure of celebrating 30 years of activity. This anniversary highlighted once again the importance of the Giggle Doctors’ presence with children in hospitals and those in specialist care centers. In addition to blowing out 30 candles, the Foundation reached another significant milestone: 2 million individual visits to children. Throughout 2023, Theodora’s artists conducted approximately 115,900 individual visits across 59 institutions throughout Switzerland, as part of the following six programs.

Simultaneously, the Theodora Foundation expanded its reach with the introduction of a new program: “Emergency Giggles” was officially launched at the beginning of 2023 in 5 hospitals and will be introduced in 3 more hospitals in 2024 due to its success.

Driven by a quest for excellence, the Theodora Foundation has taken another step towards the professionalization of the Giggle Doctors’ training. At the end of 2023, the Foundation recruited 10 new artists who will be trained throughout 2024.

We invite you to discover in our 2023 report the full range of activities we carried out last year and the teams, some working behind the scenes, who contributed to their realization. The 2023 accounts are also presented therein. We wish you a pleasant reading.

Download the annual report 2023 – short version (PDF)

This year, the Theodora Foundation is celebrating its 20-year partnership with Pathé Switzerland. For two decades, Pathé has offered the Foundation a great advertising space by showing the Theodora spots on screens in cinemas throughout Switzerland. As the Foundation wants to keep advertising costs as low as possible, it is highly valuable,if there is a possibility to show its activities free of charge. 

To celebrate this special anniversary with Pathé, we invited the CEO of Pathé Switzerland, Venanzio Di Bacco, Michael Betschart, Director of Marketing & Programming and Stephan Herzog, Director of Administration, to accompany our Giggle Doctors in the Zurich Children’s Hospital this spring. For around two hours, the three gentlemen were able to look over the shoulders of Giggle Doctors Kiko, Grunz and Klein and experienced at first hand how the artists succeed in giving the young patients at the hospital a moment of joy and variety. «We support the Theodora Foundation because we firmly believe that a smile is the best cure», says Michael Betschart with conviction. «Their work brings joy and comfort to those who need it most.»

Party mood in the cinema 
With Pathé Switzerland, the Theodora Foundation is proud to have a valuable partner at its side for 20 years. To express its gratitude, the Foundation has created a very special thank-you spot for Pathé, which will be shown in cinemas in German- and French-speaking Switzerland in August and September. The spot shows four Giggle Doctors decorating a Pathé cinema auditorium with garlands and balloons, full of excitement and anticipation. The countdown is on. The finale is a bang – confetti is flying through the air. The Giggle Doctors are celebrating. 

We thank Pathé from the bottom of our hearts for their great commitment and loyalty for so many years!

Would you like to see how the Giggle Doctors celebrate in the cinema? Then don’t miss our spot! 

For young and old, ambitious runners or simply for those who enjoy running: The Running for good the good cause at the Greifenseelauf will take place on the 21st of September 2024 with the motto «Do good feeds».

Our corporate partner Helsana is also taking this motto at heart. On the day of the Running for good the good cause at the Greifenseelauf, Helsana is launching a fundraising campaign for its customers via the Helsana+app. For every kilometre covered on the 21st of September using the «Run Helsana Trails» app function, Helsana will donate the amount raised through the running activity.

Bringing smiles to children all over Switzerland

Would you like to do something good by running, but the Running for good the good cause at the Greifenseelauf is not in your area? Not only the route of the Greifensee Run, which will be recorded exclusively as a trail in the Helsana+ app on this day, but all routes of the more than 360 Helsana trails in Switzerland are valid for this campaign. So on your marks, get ready…. go!

Sign up and bring children laughter

Would you like to take part in the Running for good the good cause at the Greifenseelauf, but are not yet signed up? Take your chance now and support the work of the Giggle Doctors with just a few clicks. You have the opportunity to donate an amount to the Theodora Foundation during the registration process.

On site with the Theodora Smiling bus

If you would prefer to support the Theodora Foundation without running shoes, you also have the opportunity to do good on site at the Running for good the good cause at the Greifenseelauf. Visit our Theodora Smiling Bus and take a photo with our Giggle Doctors Föhn. As a Helsana customer, you can upload your photo to the Helsana+ app. For every uploaded picture, Helsana will donate 50 Plus points to the Theodora Foundation.

During our report at Riviera-Chablais Hospital, we spoke with Dr. Dominique Oestreicher, anesthesiologist, about the benefits of having the Giggle Doctors present during the “Operation Dreams” program.

What do you think of the «Operation Dreams» program?
It goes very well. It’s really nice to have the Giggle Doctors. The children are more relaxed. This program is also a great support for the parents. So, we are very pleased.

What difference does it make when the Giggle Doctors are present during the surgical preparation?
It’s much easier when the Giggle Doctors are here. The children are well distracted by all their stories and, as a result, they are much calmer. We perform anesthesia inductions [the moment when the anesthesiologist puts the patient to sleep before an operation] more calmly, meaning we put the children to sleep in a more relaxed state. I’ve noticed, after checking in on them later, that there is a significant benefit not only for the children but also for the parents.

After the operation, does the awakening go better when the Giggle Doctors are there?
When you fall asleep calmly, you wake up calmly, and when you fall asleep feeling anxious and agitated, you wake up agitated. Here in Rennaz, we rarely use pre-medication [a set of medications given to prepare a patient for surgery]. So, it’s the Giggle Doctors who provide the relaxation and well-being needed before the operation.

What does it bring to the medical staff to have the Giggle Doctors present?
It makes us laugh. We like them. Over time, we get to know them well, so it’s always a pleasure to see them. I’m really happy when they’re here, and I find my days much more enjoyable.