A few years ago I had a discussion with a former colleague where we agreed that one of the best parts about being aunts is making our nieces and nephews laugh. We noted that we were always making funny faces, telling silly jokes, and using animated voices in an attempt to send them into fits of giggles.
Now there’s a new toy on the market that will take some of the pressure off. Laffy Laffalot is an innovative, interactive toy designed to put a smile on everyone’s face at the touch of a button. Laughter is contagious and Laffy Laffalot gets everyone in the room laughing instantly!
Invented by former firefighter and paramedic Steve Islava, Laffy features twenty hilarious pre-programmed laughs that are guaranteed to delight kids of all ages. On a recent meeting at the For Momentum offices, our team spent the better part of 15 minutes laughing with Laffy. Some of the best built-in laughs are the hearty belly laugh, the giggle of an infant, and my personal favorite, the silly snort. There’s also a special effect that transforms any laugh with a ‘helium’ effect.
Though a great toy for kids everywhere, Laffy’s special mission is to bring the gift of laughter to children affected by trauma and illness. Believing in the old adage that “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” Laffy aims to give sick children some laughter back into their lives. Studies show that laughing relaxes the body, boosts the immune system, decreases pain and eases anxiety, all of which can have a positive effect on a child’s medical care.
In addition to the pre-programmed laughs, Laffy features a special feature that lets Mom and Dad, extended family, even a child’s class or soccer team record up to four custom messages. Hearing a special song, joke, or ‘Get Well’ message from friends and family could make a big impact in helping a child get through an uncomfortable medical procedure or a tough day. And for a sick child, every day is a tough day.
For Islava, a long-time inventor of emergency response products and president of Care2Medical, the company that manufactures Laffy, the goal was two-fold: Get Laffy in the hands of kids in need of comfort, while simultaneously raising money for a children’s health organization. 
It was that vision that led Steve to partner with the National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS), a nonprofit organization’s that works to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families worldwide. NCCS serves as a financial, emotional, educational and medical resource for those in need at every stage of their illness and recovery. For every Laffy sold $3 will be donated to the NCCS – up to $12 million!
Steve and Laffy have recently begun making special visits to classrooms and hospitals across the country. You can follow along with Laffy’s adventures on Facebook and Twitter, or check out a product demo on Youtube or at www.laffylaffalot.com.
Let us know which laugh is your favorite in the comments section below!
Note: Care2Medical is a client of For Momentum.
