What Joy to share laughter and cheer with FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains!
What a blessing and a privilege to work with FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains since 1997, experiencing so many positive changes and developments! The ministry’s growth, ability to train, prepare and equip members, and eventually encourage others to take part in this work that looks like play, fulfills what we believe we were brought here and led to do.
Due to growing commitments, my family and I will no longer be involved with FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains, effective January 1, 2011. The Cortino Family is preparing to launch out in new directions for all of us in 2011! We believe my/our mission is done, and so the end has come for our service with FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains.
Much has been accomplished, and the need remains great for the stress-busting healthy humor Charlie's Chaplains regularly injects in the healthcare setting. This ministry now has established policies, training, and is encouraging others worldwide to inject Healing Humor in the healthcare setting. After presenting at the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor international conference in Disneyland last April, publishing 2 books on the topic and providing hours of training, I believe I am leaving this ministry in good stead.
This blog was established by me in December, 2006 to chronicle the many adventures and special events in the Life 'n Rhymes of FRMC Charlie's Chaplains. At the close of my/our tenure with this ministry, my work here -- a labor of love -- is now complete. This blog will remain, serving as an archive illustrating growth and development of this group, the "Skool" concept I developed, and as a helpful, inspiring resource for those interested in hospital/caring clowning, injecting healing humor in the healthcare setting, or establishing a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer group.
Additionally, I leave a legacy comprised of an abundance of multimedia and books created based on my hands-on experience, presented from a unique grassroots perspective, compared to the majority of currently offered training and resources. As for continuing FRMC Clown Ed, I have offered to assist in providing future training for Charlie's Chaplains. I also remain available to train other hospital clowns/healthcare family entertainer groups, and book speaking engagements for humor programs, schedule permitting.
After nearly 14 years with this ministry, I pass the torch over to my team members, as I/we move on in a new direction. Rest assured, they will be carrying on uninterrupted Healing Humor Injections at Frye Regional Medical Center. In 2011, FRMC Charlie's Chaplains will celebrate 20 years of service!
As for my family and me, we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work with each of the very dedicated Charlie's Chaplains (and so many others who have gone before) in this way; for the exceptional support by our hosting facility and home -- FRMC, and for their allowing us to follow what we all knew was the work we were led to do. AMEN.
God Bless. My heart to yours…
Becky Cortino, FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Coordinator (2003-2010)
FRMC Pastoral Care Department Volunteer (1997-2010)
For more resources, visit our sister site:
...site inspired and supports the book originally written for our first Ministry Weekend:
