Patch Adams

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«Loving is the most important thing in a person's life». Famous for his work as a doctor, Patch Adams prefers to call himself a «social activist for love, peace, justice and care of all people». His story began when as a teenager he was hospitalised in a psychiatric clinic after attempting suicide. Here he discovered that health is based on happiness and that «thanks to joy and smiling you can win many battles».

Patch Adams has devoted over 40 years of his life to changing America's healthcare system and has become famous for his "smile therapy", also known as "clown therapy". In 1971 he founded the Gesundheit! Institute, an hospital in West Virginia where treatment is free and based on compassion and friendship. In 1997 he won the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award and since 2008 he directs the International Association for the Advancement of Creative Maladjustment. In 1998 a movie was dedicated to his work: "Patch Adams”, starring Robin Williams.