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About

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Hi, I'm Maddie

Hi! I’m Maddie Rost, the founder of Signed With A Smile. I’m a high school student from New Jersey with a big heart for helping others—especially kids. My passion for medicine started early, but so did my love for working with children. Whether I was volunteering at my temple or coaching tennis, I’ve always felt connected to making a difference in the lives of young people.

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Signed With A Smile was born from the idea of combining my two passions: caring for others and connecting with kids. I wanted to create something meaningful—a way for kids in the community to lift the spirits of children in hospitals through simple, heartfelt, handwritten letters. Our goal is to spread hope, comfort, and companionship, one envelope at a time.

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What sets Signed With A Smile apart is that it’s peer-to-peer. Kids encouraging other kids. No fancy tech, no complicated process—just human connection delivered with stamps and sincerity. I may be a student now, but I believe small acts of kindness can make a huge impact, and I hope this project helps prove that.

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Our Partners

Building Bridges Between Community and Care

Signed With A Smile thrives through meaningful partnerships with local synagogues, hospitals, schools, and community organizations. Our synagogue partners provide a nurturing space for children to write letters and learn about empathy, while our hospital partners ensure these messages reach children who need them most. These relationships form the backbone of our mission—connecting kids through compassion.

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We also collaborate with educators, volunteer groups, and youth organizations to expand our reach and ensure every letter is reviewed, delivered, and deeply appreciated. Together, we are creating a circle of support where every child feels seen, valued, and uplifted.

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Our Impact Goals

Kindness is Contagious—We’re Spreading It Everywhere

  • Create 1,000+ kid-to-kid letters delivered to pediatric patients by 2026

  • Expand to 5+ community chapters across the tri-state area

  • Foster empathy education through partnerships with local schools and youth groups

  • Launch seasonal campaigns that connect holidays with handwritten joy

  • Ensure every hospital partner has ongoing access to uplifting letters and kid-powered encouragement

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