Every child deserves a reason to smile.
When our founder was a frightened young patient, a folded washcloth penguin turned her worst moment into a cherished memory. Today, One Smile at a Time Foundation brings that same comfort and joy to children facing serious illnesses at eight major hospitals.
It started with a penguin.
As a child, our founder Haley Godin underwent life-saving brain surgery. During one of her most frightening moments, a Child Life Specialist folded a washcloth into a small penguin — and turned fear into a joyful memory.
Ten years later and tumor-free, Haley founded One Smile at a Time Foundation to bring that same comfort to children walking the road she once walked.
Read Haley's storyThe Patient & Family
Connection Program
One pathway, designed to work alongside hospital care teams: when a child or family needs something the hospital’s own resources don’t cover, we step in — an experience, a toy, or help easing a financial burden.
Refer a patient
Social workers, Child Life Specialists and care teams can submit a request when they identify a child or family who would benefit from support beyond existing hospital resources.
How the program works
Request support
Families and patients can reach out directly. Tell us about your child and what would help — a personalized experience, comfort items, sibling support, or help easing a financial burden.
Request supportMoments
we've made
Every one of these started with a donation and ended with a smile.
A night at Fenway
A brain cancer patient and his family of five at a Red Sox game — a fun day at the ballpark, away from treatment and the hospital.
500+ holiday toys
Toys and activities delivered to 500+ patients at all six hospital partners — no child forgotten at the holidays.
A royal makeover
A Boston Children's Hospital patient received a princess day she'll never forget.
“Thanks to the generosity of One Smile at a Time Foundation, children at our hospital received toys and comfort items that brought joy and a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.”Baystate Children's Hospital
Your gift,
in real terms
A donation is easier to make when you can picture what it does. Here is what each gift covers at the bedside.
Toys, activities and comfort items for one hospitalized child
Both patient and sibling support through toy donations
Helps fund a one-of-a-kind day for a child in treatment
Providing support for any burden that may exist at home during a child’s diagnosis
A foundation you can trust.
We are committed to transparency in everything we do — how we're governed, how funds are used, and the impact every dollar makes for the children we serve.
Every dollar becomes a smile.
Your gift funds care packages, hospital support, and unforgettable experiences for children who need one. Every donation brings comfort and joy directly to the kids.
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