Meet the Heart Behind the Princess Lily Series
At the core of theĀ Princess Lily SeriesĀ is a passionate and dedicated team driven by purpose, creativity, and compassion. From visionary leadership to hands-on volunteers, every member of our community plays a vital role in bringing Princess Lilyās mission to life.
This page is a celebration of the people who make it all possible ā our founders, board of directors, junior board, and devoted volunteers. Together, we share a commitment to inspiring hope, spreading kindness, and making a meaningful impact through every story we tell.
Founder and Executive Director
Author
Sarah Bankuti
Sarah Bankuti is the heart behind theĀ Princess Lily Series. As the founder and executive director, Sarah brings passion, purpose, and a deep sense of compassion to everything she does. A lifelong lover of stories, she treasures time spent reading, as well as making memories with her husband and their three daughters.
TheĀ Princess Lily SeriesĀ holds a special place in Sarahās heart. Over the years, she has witnessed the incredible impact these stories have on children ā especially in those unforgettable moments when they see Princess Lily for the very first time. For Sarah, itās more than a story ā itās a mission of hope, courage, and connection.
She is deeply grateful for the amazing team that shares this vision and brings it to life with heart, talent, and unwavering belief.Ā
Illustrator
Jairalin Repalbor
She graduated in Far Eastern University with a Bachelor Degree of Digital Arts. Her dream is to create more illustrations,Ā collect thousands ofĀ children’s books and graphic novels that she adores.
She loves to exploreĀ new styles in her illustrations and eager to improve her creativity.
Director Of Operations
John Bankuti
John Bankuti serves as the director of operations for the Princess Lily Series, bringing steady leadership, thoughtful planning, and a deep personal passion to the team. A lifelong football fan and dedicated girl dad, John is especially passionate about creating meaningful spaces for fathers to connect and for families to feel supported through their own difficult journeys.
As the father of a child who has cancer, this mission is incredibly close to Johnās heart. He understands firsthand the challenges families face and is committed to helping others feel seen, heart, and strengthened. Through future workshops and family-centered events, John is working to ensure the Princess Lily Series continues to make a lasting difference ā off the page and in real life.
Board Of Director
Board Chair
Nina La Costa
Board Secretary
Michelle Clarke
Michelle Clarke brings over 12 years of experience in marketing, community engagement, and brand partnerships to her role as Board Secretary. A passionate advocate for health equity and local impact, Michelle has a proven track record of using brand storytelling and grassroots outreach to drive meaningful fundraising efforts across Ontario.
Throughout her career, Michelle has worked with purpose-driven brands includingĀ CLIF Bar,Ā Mizuno Canada Ltd., andĀ Rumble Drink, leveraging their platforms to support charitable causes such asĀ Cystic Fibrosis Canada,Ā Good Foot Delivery, and local food banks. She has led and supported numerous campaigns, events, and athlete-driven initiatives that raised awareness and funds for health-related nonprofits, always with a focus on inclusivity and community-building.
In her role on the board, Michelle brings strategic communication skills, deep nonprofit marketing insight, and a collaborative spirit to help further the organizationās mission to raise critical funds in support of cancer research, care, and advocacy.
Director
Rebecca McKenzie
Director
Agnes Bajgier
As a mother of a childhood cancer survivor, my journey has been deeply personal and profoundly transformative. I bring to the board not only lived experience but also over 20Ā years as an educator, with a focus on special education. My professional passion lies in creating inclusive environments where all childrenāregardless of ability or circumstanceācan thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Throughout my career, I have been a steadfast advocate for childrenās rights, working closely with families, schools, and communities to ensure every childās voice is heard and valued. My commitment to literacy and the healing power of stories has further inspired my work, as I believe books can be a source of strength, connection, and hope, especially for children navigating medical challenges.
It is a privilege to serve on the board of an organization that unites two causes close to my heart: supporting children with cancer and promoting a love of literature. I am honored to contribute my experience, empathy, and dedication to furthering its mission.
Our Toronto Team
Jacqueline Smith
Junior Board
Vancouver native Jacqueline Smith graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) in 2024. Currently, she is a Global Operations analyst at Scotiabank in Toronto.
Jacqueline brings strong leadership skills and a heart for service, backed by extensive volunteer experience. This season, she is coaching the Special Olympics Toronto Softball team and has volunteered at the motionball Marathon of Sport in Montreal and Toronto. She will also participate in the Mississauga edition of the event this fall.
Jacqueline has volunteered with several organizations, including Reach For Outer Space in Vancouver, where she organized fundraisers and created reading corners in social service centers. In Poland, she supported terminally ill children and their families through Fundacja DzieciÄca Fantazja. She also worked with Project Somos in Guatemala, helping vulnerable children and families through education, nutrition, and community development.
Jacquelineās compassion and patience are deeply rooted in her personal experience as the sister of Cassie, who has autism. This relationship has taught her the importance of inclusion, advocacy, and empathyānot just for individuals, but also for the families supporting them. She brings a unique, heartfelt perspective to every role she takes on.Ā These experiences have equipped Jacqueline to make a valuable contribution to the Junior Board
Amreen Khan
Volunteer
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, where she majored in Public Policy and City Studies and minored in Public Law. Her work deepened her understanding of urban systems, social equity, and the role of government in shaping inclusive communities.Ā
Amreen has worked with the City of Vaughan, where she provided vital support in customer service and administration. Her role involved daily interactions with residents, problem-solving on municipal service issues, and ensuring that city resources were delivered efficiently and equitably.Ā
In the non-profit sector, Amreen contributed to mission-driven work at Diabetes Canada, where she supported donor relations, partnership engagement, and database management. She played a key role in stewardship and administrative coordination, helping to ensure smooth operations and a positive donor experience. Through this work, she witnessed firsthand the importance of nonprofit organizations in filling service gaps and advocating for community health.
Amreen is proud to support the mission of the Princess Lily Series Foundation and brings her experience, compassion, and community first mindset.
Jayla Leong
Junior Board
Hi, Iām Jayla!! Iām originally from Vaughan but Iām currently studying in Waterloo for a business degree. I hope to one day work in the business sector of a non-profit while continuing to volunteer on the side. Ā
Outside of school, you can usually find me drawing, reading, and spending time with friends!Ā
I am very excited to be joining Enchanted Hope Foundation as a Junior Board member as it is privilege to be part of an amazing organization that supports children and families, and Iām looking forward to contributing to its impact.
Our Ottawa Team
Carolina Donado
Junior Board
As an educator from Colombia with a background in Customer Success, Iāve always been passionate about creating meaningful connections across cultures, communities, and ages. Volunteering with The Princess Lily Series gives me the chance to combine my love for children, storytelling, and relationship-building. Through outreach to local businesses, I believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and empoweredāand Iām honoured to help bring that message to life in my community.
Kristine Balbido
Volunteer
Kristine is a dedicated and compassionate individual who understands the power of hope and resilience, values that deeply resonate with the mission of The Princess Lily Series. With over 17 years of experience in the banking industry in the Philippines and a Finance student at Lambton College, Ottawa, ON Canada. Kristine has a proven track record of commitment and achievement, consistently demonstrating her ability to
overcome challenges and achieve excellence. This drive and determination mirror the bravery and strength the charity aims to inspire in children facing serious illnesses.
Her talent for fostering growth and positive change perfectly matches the charityās goal of empowering children and guiding them through their challenging journeys. As the eldest of seven, Kristineās own background gives her a profound appreciation for family and the dreams parents hold for their kids.
She enjoys baking, movies, and exploring new cultures really shows her appreciation for creativity, storytelling, and discovery.
Marcel Hagena Shema
Volunteer
Ā I hold a Bachelorās degree in Agriculture and have always been deeply passionate about helping those in need. My greatest joy comes from supporting and uplifting children, especially those facing difficult circumstances. Volunteering with the Princess Lily Series Foundation allows me to combine this passion with purpose ā bringing comfort, encouragement, and moments of joy to children battling cancer. I am honored to be part of a mission that brings hope and healing to young lives.Ā Ā
Fiona Fu
Volunteer
Hi, Iām Fiona Fu ā a fashion designer, stylist, fashion business commentator, brand manager, and content creator. Come from Beijing, now living in Ottawa. After years of chasing my dream as a fashion designer, I pursued a graduate certificate in Brand Management at Algonquin College to explore my passion for building brands. I believe that creativity, curiosity, and empathy can change the world ā they can turn sorrow into joy, and transform even the dullest moments into something meaningful. Making life more interesting is not just my belief ā itās my way of creating and living.
Our Hamilton Team
Isabella Bajgier
Junior Board
Hi! My name is Isabella and Iām 15 years old. Iām incredibly excited to begin volunteering with this amazing organization because it combines two things that mean a lot to me: helping others and supporting kids affected by cancer.
My passion for volunteering comes from a very personal place. When I was 7, my younger sister was diagnosed withĀ myoepithelial carcinoma.Ā Watching her go through treatment was one of the hardest things Iāve ever experienced, but it also showed me how strong and brave kids can be.
Being part of her journey made me want to give back and support other kids and families going through similar experiences. I know what itās like to be the sibling sitting in waiting rooms, juggling emotions, and trying to stay strong and I want to be there for others in the same position.
Iām looking forward to bringing empathy, energy, and a big heart to this role. I hope to make even a small difference in someoneās life, the way others did for my sister and me.
Our Vancouver Team
Fiona Robertson
Junior board
Hi, Iām Fi! Iām delighted to be joining the Princess Lily Series as a Junior Board Member. Originally from England, Iāve been living in Canada for the past two years and have a background in academic publishing, stakeholder engagement, and campaign coordination.
In my spare time, I love exploring the beautiful nature that BC has to offer, connecting with friends, and creative writing.
Iām honoured to support a charity that uses storytelling to help children and families feel seen, supported and less alone during such a difficult journey.
Amatullah Lakdawala
Volunteer
I love being able to contribute in a meaningful way. I enjoy reading, going on walks, and spending time with people I care about.
Itās an honour to support a project that uplifts and empowers kids through such a difficult journey.