CHEO continues to mourn following the loss of a legendary figure in the hearts of countless sick children across Ottawa and the Valley.
Ruth Cull, a longtime operating room nurse from the Douglas area who embraced a second career bringing joy and laughter to thousands of families as the hospital’s therapeutic clown Molly Penny, passed away on September 21st.
Senior Vice President of Clinical Service Tammy DiGiovanni says Cull’s ability to make life easier for her patients was apparent long before she developed her alter ego, known for creating “Where’s Waldo”-style displays that helped kids waiting for surgery take their minds off a scary situation.
Cull would grow a reputation as a lifeline of laughter and hope for families facing difficult moments over her 20 years as Molly Penny, with many medical students, nurses, and other members of their clinical team taking time off to watch and learn as her infectious smile, quick wit, and enormous heart won over even the most prickly patients.
DiGiovanni says the outpouring of comments from former CHEO patients recounting the many memories and moments of happiness that Cull helped to create is proof of her ongoing impact at the hospital, as well as a reminder to live a little bit like Molly Penny every day and take a moment to support others every day.
She adds that many of CHEO’s staff have also flocked to their internal website to share fond memories of Cull and the kindness that permeated throughout her life and work.
(written by Kasey Egan)