Ayana Banks, a junior at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, recently delivered four giant duffel bags to CHOP, each one carefully stuffed with items purchased to transform a young patient’s hospital room into a personal sanctuary – fairy lights, Disney princess bedding, art supplies, floral wall stickers – and a notecard that read (in part):
“Hello, my name is Ayana Banks, I'm 16 years old. I am the founder of The Sweet Dream Project. The Sweet Dream Project is on a mission to brighten the hospital journey for pediatric patients.”
Banks, founder of The …
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Ayana Banks, a junior at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, recently delivered four giant duffel bags to CHOP, each one carefully stuffed with items purchased to transform a young patient’s hospital room into a personal sanctuary – fairy lights, Disney princess bedding, art supplies, floral wall stickers – and a notecard that read (in part):
“Hello, my name is Ayana Banks, I'm 16 years old. I am the founder of The Sweet Dream Project. The Sweet Dream Project is on a mission to brighten the hospital journey for pediatric patients.”
Banks, founder of The Sweet Dream Project, conceived the idea during her CEL Capstone class last year. Her personal experience with multiple hospital stays inspired the project.
"I spent lots of time inpatient at CHOP," Banks said. "During my long stays, my mom would always decorate my hospital room so I could feel at home. I used to think everyone's room was decorated, but later I realized that is not reality."
Banks uses an intake form to get to know each patient personally – their age, their interests, their hobbies, their favorite color – and then acts as a personal shopper to deliver a carefully curated bag specific to each patient.
CHOP officials were so impressed with the initial delivery that they suggested Banks provide 15 duffels quarterly. The hospital's enthusiasm reflects the project's potential impact on patient morale.
Banks' initiative caught the attention of CBS, which featured her in a "Spreading the Love" segment. The TV coverage is expected to help her assist a dozen more children.
At the end of the first semester last year, Banks earned the CEL “Resiliency Award” for embracing challenges and exhibiting a relentless commitment to her goals.
She was also the recipient of a $1,500 grant from the Margaret Steele Scholarship Fund “awarded to an entrepreneurial-minded SCH student(s) every year to support and enhance their entrepreneurial pursuits, or to cover the cost of summer education opportunities tied to their interests and passions.” In Banks’ case, the funding allowed her to buy all the items—valued at $300—for the four bags in her first delivery.
The scholarship also supported Banks' participation in the Young Diplomats Summer Program at Hampton University, where she focused on leadership development.
Banks hopes her project will grow grassroots support, similar to Alexandra "Alex" Scott's Lemonade Stand Foundation. She's seeking donations to "adopt" rooms and expand the project's reach.
"I am so happy that they are in the hands of the kids," Banks said after her first delivery. "This is just the beginning!"
Those interested in supporting The Sweet Dream Project can make donations to help Banks purchase items for patients' rooms. Learn more at https://www.
