Syrian's Assistant Raban and Razzle Attend the Dedication of the Newest Hospital in the Shriners Hospital System

Assistant Rabban Bob Peacock and Syrian Shrine Clown, Ted "Razzle" Reed and their ladies Phyllis and Mo journeyed to Mexico City to participate in the dedication of the New Mexico City Shriners Hospital. Over 500 Shriners from Mexico, the United States, Canada and Panama attended the dedication. Imperial Potentate Gary Dunwoody was the keynote speaker and several Past Imperial Potentates and current Imperial Officers participated in the ceremonies.

A special plaque was presented to Ms. Billie Davis, the Supreme Queen of the Daughters of the Nile in recognition of the Daughters having donated $1 million to the hospital.

Beginning in November 2005, the $88 million, 311,000 square foot, state of the art, gleaming facility will be the new home for thousands of children from Mexico and Latin America who need orthopedic and burn rehabilitation. The new 80 bed hospital will have four operating suites. It will replace the existing hospital built in 1961.

The hospital dedication was a wonderful and rare experience, but the real reward of the trip was the opportunity to "Clown" at our Mexico City Hospital. This was the 3rd visit to the hospital for Razzle & Mo. When the Peacocks decided to go, they were offered the chance to "Clown" with Razzle and several other International Shrine Clown Associations (ISCA) Clowns and their ladies, who made the journey. So behold the birth of Bob "Pajaro Grande" (Big Bird) and Phyllis "Blondie" Peacock . (Make up and costume courtesy of Razzle). The clowns entertained and visited the patients and children awaiting screening on the Monday and Tuesday following the dedication.

Clowning or just visiting the Mexico City Hospital is an incredibly rewarding experience that is unlike, if not impossible to match, anywhere else. Just ask Bob and Phyllis. The children awaiting screening, the patients, the parents and the hospital staff are so gracious and appreciative of the Shriners. One example is when the wife of an ISCA clown, Janice 'Sweetie" Modisette gave one of the children waiting to be screened a rubber ball; the child opened his lunch sack and gave her a peach in return. She cried (of course) and still tears up every time she reflects on, or tells the story.

Clowning at the hospital for the two days involved putting on a Clown Show with the ISCA Clowns and the newly formed Anezeh (Mexico City) Shrine Clown Unit, "The Tacos". We performed magic and skits to entertain the hundred plus children and their parents waiting to be screened and examined for possible treatment or admission. These parents and children wait patiently in the hospital lobby all day long for their turn. The old hospital in Mexico has 60 beds, which are filled at all times. Every day, there are at least 100 children waiting to be screened. After entertaining in the waiting area, we visited the patients in their rooms.

There is a whole lot of opportunity for one-on-one, close up interaction between the clowns and the patients, parents and hospital staff. The Mexico City Hospital is always full and busy. In 2004 there were 3,064 inpatient admissions, 41,048 outpatient clinic visits and over 3,100 surgeries performed. The existing hospital only dealt with orthopedic procedures.

After attending the dedication, two days of clowning and enjoying the social amenities (Partying) the four sojourning Syrian Representatives along with other ISCA friends took a 2 day trip to Acapulco for more Food, Fun, Fellowship, Frivolity, and Relaxation. What happens in Acapulco, stays in Acapulco.

God Bless the Shriners and God Bless the Children.