In a world where healthcare can often feel isolating and daunting, a unique initiative at London Children’s Hospital in Ontario is bringing joy and comfort to young patients through the art of puppetry. Dr. Petunia Ashley Ottersby, a whimsical puppet brought to life by ventriloquist Sue Van Duynhoven, is not your ordinary doctor. For over two decades, Van Duynhoven has dedicated her time to entertaining and uplifting children undergoing medical treatment, providing a much-needed emotional respite in their challenging journey.
A Unique Approach to Care
On a recent Tuesday morning, the atmosphere in the hospital was charged with excitement as Dr. Ottersby and her companion, Grandpa—a white-whiskered puppet—prepared for their first performance of the day. Their audience consisted of three sisters: Aubree Brown, 13, Isla Chabot Hopper, 6, and Coral Chabot Hopper, 4. While Coral’s infectious laughter filled the room, declaring, “You’re just a puppet! You have no eyeballs!”, Aubree, facing her own battle with leukemia, displayed a more reserved demeanour, occasionally rolling her eyes at her younger siblings’ antics.
As Van Duynhoven navigated the delicate balance of engaging both the cheerful and the contemplative, Aubree gradually opened up, sharing details about her pet snake, Waffles, her piano skills, and her budding interest in photography. “What I want to do is remind them who they are,” Van Duynhoven explained. “Because they have so many things happening to them right now, and everything’s out of the norm.”
This unique approach is not merely about distraction; it’s about connection. Van Duynhoven’s puppets help bridge the emotional gaps that can arise in a clinical environment, encouraging children to laugh and forget, if only momentarily, the burdens they carry.
Volunteer Spirit in Healthcare
Ms. Van Duynhoven is not alone in her mission. London Children’s Hospital benefits from a variety of entertainers, including music and art therapists, though they are typically compensated for their services. Van Duynhoven, in stark contrast, has volunteered her talents for free over the past 24 years, with interruptions only during the COVID-19 pandemic and her own battles with breast cancer in 2019 and 2024.
Her commitment has forged lasting relationships with many patients, particularly those with chronic conditions who spend extended periods within the hospital walls. Child-life specialist Michelle Hart noted, “The puppet is somebody that they can talk to without any inhibition. They can openly talk about themselves. The puppet is not going to judge.” This non-judgmental relationship can be a lifeline for children facing the uncertainties of illness.
The Emotional Weight of Healing
The profound impact of Van Duynhoven’s work is not without its poignant moments. She recalls a young girl who developed a deep attachment to Horace, her horse puppet, even asking to take him home for sleepovers and holidays. Tragically, after the girl’s passing, Horace was buried alongside her. “It was such a weird, wonderful, magical, horrible feeling, all at the same time,” Van Duynhoven reflected. “I still miss that child. She was an amazing human being.”
Such experiences highlight the gravity of the emotional connections formed in these hospital settings. The puppets become more than just props; they transform into confidants and companions during some of life’s most difficult moments.
A Legacy of Laughter
With a diverse range of over 45 puppets at her disposal, each character brings a distinct personality to her performances. From Grandma and Kudo the penguin to Ralphie the skateboarder and Vladimir the vampire, there is a puppet for every child’s taste. However, not all puppets make the cut; Boo Bear, for example, was deemed an infection risk by hospital staff and subsequently retired from the stage.
Van Duynhoven’s childhood experiences, marked by challenges and dysfunction, have shaped her empathetic approach towards the children she entertains today. “It was not a fun place to grow up in, and that may be part of the reason why inanimate objects became alive to me,” she explained, highlighting how her past has informed her understanding of the pain many young patients endure.
As she engages with the children and their families, Van Duynhoven’s vibrant personality and infectious laughter create an inviting and joyous atmosphere. Her ability to connect with both the children and their parents provides a dual layer of support, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Why it Matters
The work of volunteers like Sue Van Duynhoven at London Children’s Hospital exemplifies the vital role of compassion and connection in healthcare. By using humour and creativity to bridge the emotional divide that illness can create, these initiatives remind us that healing is not just a physical journey but an emotional one as well. In a system often overwhelmed by clinical demands, such interventions are essential in restoring hope and joy to young patients and their families, underscoring the profound impact of kindness in the face of adversity.
