MAOSmiles: Delivering Hope to Hospitalized Children

Each year, more than 3 million children are hospitalized in the United States, with an average stay of 4 days. Hospitalized children often feel isolated and have increased anxiety in unfamiliar environments will battling critical, sometimes life-threatening illnesses. Research proves that mental health plays a key role in healing. MAOSmiles is a program that brings compassion, connection, and empathy, providing joy during challenging treatments and emergency room stays by having current and former Miss America Opportunity (MAO) titleholders read their favorite children's books to hospitalized children. 

 

"You are Brave. You are Important. You Matter, " are three phrases printed on each MAOSmiles postcard along with a QR code that directs the hospitalized children, their families, and medical staff to the MAOSmiles exclusive YouTube channel. this channel features specially curated videos of MAO titleholders sharing the books that showcase their service initiatives, passions, and childhood memories. The content library is inclusive and easily accessible through a phone, tablet, or computer at any time of day or night when hospitalized children and their family need it the most.