Christene Wildman

2. The question a child has asked that sticks in your mind?
No one in particular stands out. I am amazed by the variety of different questions, and some really complex medical ones. I think the Internet plays a huge role these days. Children are also always intrigued and very interested in finding out how the puppets talk.  

3. What you love about the characters?

• Kylie's ability to understand her treatment and what is ahead of her. She is also still very interested in her friends and her school, and not wanting any special attention.
• Melissa loves being involved in everything around her. She is very compassionate and loves to sing.
• Dean is a loveable character who finds interest in everything around him. He gets himself in trouble but finds a way to work it through and learn on the way.
• Matt is the comedian and that helps him deal with his cancer. He loves to make others laugh and is optimistic about life.

4. What's a CQ moment you treasure?
Watching a little boy at the hospital holding on to Melissa's hand and helping her along the corridor to the treatment rooms. He was heading there himself, yet wanted to help her. He was concerned she may be upset and said she could hold his hand. The other moments are when children living with cancer feel comfortable to take off their hats, when Kylie takes off hers in our puppet performance. They can relate to her.

5. What do you love to laugh about? 
I love laughing with the children in the hospitals at really cool jokes. Dean always has hundreds. I love laughing with my volunteers. Children and animals make me happy.

6. What do you love about the volunteers that perform with you?

• They believe in the healing power of laughter.
• They believe in good will and compassion for others.
• They believe in doing things that matter.
• They are amazing people.

7. If you were not a CQ Puppeteer what would you be?
An artist.