Developed by St. Mary’s Palliative Care team, (a program created for children near end of life) The Laughter Club was created to stimulate laughter and amusement through exercises and activities that promote physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing.

The new form of therapy, available for both patients and staff, will provide the entire healthcare system with a little humor to get through the day, an opportunity for staff to bond with St. Mary’s kids, and most of all, a few added benefits for the body.

 “15 minutes a day of therapeutic laughter can boost the immune system, improve circulation, balance blood sugar, relax muscles, aid digestion, ease stress, and even help burn calories,” said Holly Potoeski, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at St. Mary’s.

Holly received training in the laughing cart therapy and conducts the classes. During her first kick-off session, she had St. Mary’s staff members rolling with laughter by practicing a variety of exercises while chanting unique phrases.

As an addition to the new and exciting therapeutic program, Holly and the therapeutic Recreation team have also introduced the “Laughter Cart,” specifically designed for St. Mary’s kids.

Filled with joke books, hilarious movies, chattering teeth, snakes in the can, tattoos, grouch glasses, and laughing animal critters, the laughter cart is designed to put a smile on any child’s face, no matter how difficult the obstacles they are facing may be. Staff members plan to use the laughing cart in an effort to help lift children’s spirits who are feeling down, having a bad day, or just need a little excitement to boost their encouragement. More importantly, the cart includes several special toys that have been uniquely adapted for children with special needs.

The innovative program also aims to encourage St. Mary’s kids to unite and laugh together, promoting a family-centered environment in which patients heal together.

St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children

St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children is one of the nation’s premier providers of intensive rehabilitation, specialized care, and education for children with special needs and life-limiting conditions.  St. Mary’s pioneered the first Home Care program for children in New York and today remains the largest and most comprehensive provider of services to children with special healthcare needs. St. Mary’s Community Care Professionals extends this specialized brand of care into the homes of both children and adults who require specialty rehabilitation, nursing, and support services.  For more information, visit www.stmaryskids.org.