Patch Adams, part-time funny man and real-life doctor known for incorporating humor and laughter into health care, spent the day with members of Oakwood’s Adult and Child Daycare Center earlier today. Adams and a group of students from the University of Michigan-Dearborn brought joy and laughter to the center’s intergenerational program as part of the university’s commemorative events honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Adams, portrayed by Robin Williams in a 1998 film named after him, spent the day entertaining the toddlers in the day care center, as well as a group of older adults with conditions that prevent them from functioning independently. 

“We take good care of people who cannot always take care of themselves,” said Dorothy Jaroszewski, manager of the adult day care center. “This was a nice treat for them—and us,” she added. “It was good to be able to give them all another reason to smile.”

Lance Slatton, a pre-med student from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, contacted Patch Adams last summer and organized a committee who formally invited him to the university.

“It’s important because he shows a side of medicine that people don’t know is there,” said Slatton. “Laughter is important because it’s something that everyone can relate to.”

Adams spent all day Thursday and Friday interacting with UM-Dearborn students and spreading joy throughout the Dearborn community. Adams gave a public lecture titled: “Medicine for Fun, not Funds,” at the UM-Dearborn campus on Thursday; on Friday, he will have a special event for university students.