The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey dazzled patients and families during a private performance for Naval Medical Center Portsmouth pediatric patients and their families, April 6.

Five performers entertained guests by juggling, jumping rope and performing comedic acts in the base gymnasium.

At the end of their performance, the ring master presented Capt. Darin Via, NMCP commanding officer, with a donation of $10,000 on behalf of the circus.

"We want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to you coming out to perform for our patients along with the generous donation that will improve the quality of life for patients and families on our Pediatrics Ward," Via said.

NMCP is one of 50 hospitals across the country to receive a donation as the circus travels to different cities each week throughout the year.

"We'll use the money to improve the environment of the pediatric inpatient ward with wall art, special lighting, therapeutic and distraction opportunities in the playroom and the teen lounge," said Chris Brogan, child life specialist. "We'll also use it in the patients' rooms for video game systems, movies, medical play supplies and craft supplies."

In addition to performing at the medical center, the performance at the Hampton Coliseum on April 8 is dedicated to honoring NMCP and 100 special hospital guests who will be in attendance.

"At Ringling Bros., we focus on entertaining families and giving back to the communities where we perform every week," said Alana Feld, executive vice president of Feld Entertainment and producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey.

During this performance, Ringling Bros. will also be raising awareness about the national cancer research being conducted by Dr. Joshua Schiffman, a pediatric oncologist who is studying DNA from elephants at the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida. Scientists are studying why there is such a low incidence of cancer in elephants, what makes cancer resistance possible in elephants, and how this may correlate to new treatments for pediatric cancers.

"It is fantastic that Ringling Bros. has committed to furthering research in the area of childhood cancers, and we look forward to the outcome from Dr. Schiffman's research," said Air Force Maj. Jacob Wessler, NMCP chief medical informatics officer and a pediatric oncologist.

NMCP's Pediatric Oncology Clinic is committed to providing excellent patient care.

"Caring for children with cancer does not just involve treating their illness but ensuring they get to remain children as well," Wessler said. "While they are playing with our child life specialist, Mr. Chris Brogan, we ensure they get to be kids as much as possible."

As one of only three Children's Oncology Group institutions in the United States and Canada to receive a perfect audit for 2013-2015, the clinic ensures patients receive the best care available.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit http://www.navy.mil/.