Benedicta Ripamonti

I bring every-day heroism into my life through my volunteer work as a clown therapist. I've spent my weekends working with an organization called SorridiMI for the past six years, bringing laughter to those in need in hospitals, halfway homes and hospices in Milan and the surrounding area.

SorridiMI's motto is "A clown's nose-- with a volunteer's heart!" The transformation is simple: some colourful clothing and a big red nose, and Benedicta turns into Leprotta the Clown, spreading smiles wherever she goes!

The most powerful part about this is that which I receive from my volunteering is so much more powerful than anything I could possibly give. Bringing joy to others is a gift always returned a thousand times over. After all? the magic of a smile makes all worries run a mile! CR