Patch Adams Explains How To Bring Joy To Others In Ashland Visit

ASHLAND (CBS) - One of the world's great healers and ambassador of joy, Patch Adams, came to Ashland Tuesday.

He's helping to celebrate 40 years of service to disabled adults at the Advocates Life Skills and Learning Center.

Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams, the physician, clown and activist, is best known as the subject of the 1998 movie starring Robin Williams.

For his visit Tuesday, he wore a raggedy chicken on his head and a big red ball on his nose, as he gave people instructions on how to talk to fish.

Before he met with the clients, Adams gave a short talk to others hoping to clown their way into the hearts of children at hospitals across the nation.

He told them, if you love people, you can't fail.

Then he had this parting advice.

"If you say, 'I'm not funny,' get tighty-whiteys and wear them on your head everywhere for one month. Your world will open up."

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports