“Laughter -- the best medicine.” This is a frequently repeated phrase and one that you may choose to abide by.

Duke Oncology Recreation Therapy brings humor and laughter to patients by way of the Laugh Mobile.

The Laugh Mobile is a rolling cart that contains items available for checkout such as humorous audio and video cassettes, and books by such well-known authors as Erma Bombeck, Louis Grizzard, Bill Cosby, and George Burns.

Silly items such as whoopie cushions, bubbles, and rubber chickens are also included.

The Laugh Mobile travels through the units at least once a week with the help of volunteers and students. These individuals provide therapeutic humor to assist patients and their families in coping with the secondary effects of their illness.

Units served: Adult Oncology Medical Units 9100 and 9300 and Adult Bone Marrow Transplant 9200. Patients with cancer being treated on other units may also be served on a referral basis.

Volunteer Requirements

Application Process: An application must first be submitted. A background check is required.

Commitment: A minimum of six months commitment is required.

Hours: Hours are flexible, but two hours per week minimum is requested.

Physical Requirements: Volunteers should have adequate vision, hearing, speech, and mobility to engage with minimal-to-no difficulty.

Dress Code: Please dress appropriate to the role you play as a laugh mobile volunteer. Lean toward cheerful colors. Look clean and appropriate. Moderate amounts of time are spent on your feet, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Please avoid wearing any perfumes or heavy cologne.