Mollypenny blasts off to new adventures, along with her ‘brown Es’

Ottawa, Canada, Earth (September 8, 2022) — Now that she is five, Mollypenny, CHEO’s beloved therapeutic clown, has decided to leave her big, floppy shoes at CHEO to take some huge next steps. "It’s time,” she said, “to climb aboard the spaceship MollyPop and travel into the future.”

Mollypenny plans to join her good friends in Galaxy Sprinkle, pictured for the first time by the James Webb Telescope on the outskirts of the Cartwheel Galaxy.

“My friends JelloHead and Tonker had been trying to get me to their galaxy for years. They love my brown Es. But it was one of my space cadets, Sasha Spaghetti, who hooked me on space travel a little while back,” said Mollypenny. “After that, whenever I went to visit Galaxy Sprinkle I would think, ‘Why can’t I live here? It’s amazing.’ Well, now’s the time.”

Mollypenny is quick to point out that she has learned a ton from the incredible kids and families she has worked with over the years — starting in 2001, when she was four. “I am thankful for their gifts of knowledge and laughter. It means the world, the galaxy, to me,” said Mollypenny, reaching into her pocket for a very large, polka dot handkerchief. “I’m also extremely grateful for the team here! They supported me in having fun, playing, being silly and much more, as I got to make meaningful relationships with the kids, which is really what it’s all about!”

Mollypenny has provided immeasurable support to thousands of families she has met at CHEO – from handing out ‘brown Es’ (brown-coloured, felt Es), uRaQT stickers and various playthings, to chairing ‘Bored’ meetings, making fun with doctors and staff, and being a kind and compassionate ear for moms, dads and kids of all ages.

“We are extremely grateful for all that Mollypenny has done for the children, youth and families at CHEO — sometimes in their darkest moments — always supporting the kids and, amazingly, almost always able to find a smile,” said Alex Munter, CHEO’s President and CEO. “It’s such an understatement, but we will miss her. She is a star. And she belongs with all the other stars in her new home galaxy.”

A chance to say good-bye

Kids, families and media will have a chance to wish Mollypenny safe travels this weekend. Mollypenny will join the Construction Community Cares procession of trucks, diggers and other vehicles as the guest of honour. (Watch for her to ride in a red convertible VW Beetle on the last truck!)

Kids and families can also share their memories of Mollypenny using this Kudoboard. Share a story, drawing or good wishes between now and Oct.31, when Mollpenny blasts off for good. Hard copy well wishes can also be dropped off in a box at the Main Entrance (before the screening stations) or sent by mail to Mollypenny, Child Life, CHEO, 401 Smyth Road, K1H 8L1.

The last word

“The great thing about being a clown is space travel is so much easier than for regular astronauts. That means I may be able to come back to visit CHEO and my earthling friends every now and then.”

 The event deets

• The Construction Community Cares event starts at 10am on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
• The procession goes along the section of CHEO’s Ring Road that passes in front of the Main Entrance of 401 Smyth Road (between Hospital Link Road and Smyth Road), starting at the Hospital Link Road and finishing at Smyth Road.
• Attendees may park for free in Parking Lot A, between 9:30 and 11:30 am.
• Media are asked park in Lot A and then check in with CHEO Foundation staff before 10 am, outside the CHEO School entrance (395 Smyth Road), across from Roger Neilson House.

Mollypenny’s path to clowning

Many have wondered how and when Mollypenny found her way to CHEO. Now – we can reveal all! CHEO records show that Ruth Cull started as an operating room nurse when CHEO opened in 1974. At the time of Ruth’s retirement from the operating room in 2001, Mollypenny appeared on the scene and started her therapeutic clowning at CHEO with kids and their families. Mollypenny and Ruth have never been seen in the same room together. There is no replacing* ‘day one’ Team CHEO members; they’re a big part of the reason there is a CHEO. We will miss both Ruth and Mollypenny very much.

* While it’s impossible to replace Mollypenny, CHEO will not go without a therapeutic clown. We’re actively looking for someone to bring their big shoes to CHEO and carry on Mollypenny’s incredible work.

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