Turning courage into compassion—
one smile at a time
One Smile at a Time Foundation was born from one powerful truth: even the smallest acts of kindness can transform a scary moment into a joyful memory.
It started with a penguin.
At just 12 years old, founder Haley Godin underwent life-saving neurosurgery. What she remembers most from that experience isn't the pain or fear—it's a tiny penguin made from a washcloth, crafted by a Child Life Specialist to distract and comfort her during a difficult IV procedure.
That small gesture had a big impact. It reminded her that connection, creativity, and compassion are what children in crisis need most.
Years later, Haley set out to pay it forward. After the overwhelming success of her first Holiday Toy Drive in 2022, she felt an unmistakable spark—the sense that this was the work she was meant to do. With the help of her family and the encouragement of her community, she formally launched One Smile at a Time Foundation in August 2023 as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Moments of joy during difficult times
One Smile at a Time is dedicated to providing moments of joy to elementary school-aged children diagnosed with serious, life-threatening illnesses. Our primary goals are to create positive moments during difficult times, reduce feelings of isolation, and to build a supportive community for children and families navigating serious health conditions. Through donations, patient experiences, special events, and hospital partnerships, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Why we do it
Returning to the hospital now as the founder of One Smile at a Time, not as a patient, is an incredibly full-circle moment for Haley. She knows firsthand how a small gesture can create a lasting emotional imprint. It's not about erasing the illness; it's about helping a child feel seen, celebrated, and not so alone.
Inspired by Child Life Specialists
One Smile at a Time's approach is deeply inspired by the unsung heroes of the hospital, Child Life Specialists, who bring play, distraction, and emotional relief to young patients. Just like them, we believe it's not about the cost of the donation—it's about the heart behind it.
A foundation built to grow
Haley left her position at Massachusetts General Hospital's Cancer Center to pursue One Smile at a Time full-time—a leap of faith powered by gratitude, vision, and a deep sense of purpose. In the years ahead, she dreams of:
Join the mission.
Backed by a growing community of donors, volunteers, and supporters, Haley is building a foundation that will continue to grow and evolve.
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