For more than 20 years, the "Clowns Who Care" at Driscoll Children's Hospital have volunteered countless hours helping bring smiles to the faces of patients and parents.
When the clowns walk down the halls of Driscoll Children's Hospital, they are bound to get some looks; but when they walk into a room, all they're hoping for is a smile.
The moment of cheer is what clowns know all too well.
"I've experienced the exhaustion, the need for a break," Bridget McKeever said. "A need for a little laugh."
When McKeever's little boy was sick at Driscoll Children's Hospital, a special group of lady clowns were there to lift her family's spirits.
"And I was so grateful for the care Driscoll gave and saw the wonderful things they do for children," McKeever said.
McKeever decided to give back, and for the past 14 years she transforms into the woman behind the red, white and blue sparkles known as Yaya Doodle Dandy.
"It's really fun driving here and driving home because we always get so many unusual looks in the car," McKeever said.
At the hospital the clowns visit every single room in the building, talking with patients, singing and even giving out toys.
Each clown name and persona is different and has a special meaning. Yaya is what McKeever's grandchildren now call her, and Doodle Dandy is a play on words for Yankee Doodle Dandy -- an ode to her son who now serves in the military.
"I love my sons, and I honor them and this out of a thank you, Driscoll, for my three-year-old, now a 37-year-old Major in the Army, healthy and serving our country," McKeever said. "We are very proud of him, and I am very proud of Driscoll for the years they have given to our community. Very proud of them. Very grateful."
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