Meet Sarah Bankuti
Author. Founder. Advocate. Storyteller.
Sarah Bankuti believes every child deserves to feel seen, understood, and empowered—especially during life’s most difficult moments.
She is the author behind the Princess Lily Series, founder and executive director of Enchanted Hope Foundation, and an advocate for representation in children’s literature and emotional support for families facing serious illness.
Through storytelling, community programs, and charitable initiatives, Sarah works to bring comfort, courage, and hope to children and families navigating medical journeys.
The Story Behind Sarah’s Mission
Sarah’s journey as an author began with her daughter, Alice.
When Alice was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Sarah and her family entered a world of treatments, uncertainty, and challenges that no family expects to face. As they searched for children’s books that could help Alice understand what was happening, Sarah realized there were very few stories that reflected the experiences of children facing serious illness.
Sarah decided to create the story she wished existed.
That story became Princess Lily—a brave princess who faces illness, treatment, fear, and change while discovering courage, friendship, and hope along the way.
What began as a story for one child grew into a series that has reached families who were also searching for representation and comfort.
From Author to Advocate
Sarah’s work goes beyond writing books.
Through Enchanted Hope Foundation, she has expanded her mission to support children with serious illnesses, their siblings, and their families through story-based programs, community initiatives, and meaningful connections.
She believes children’s stories are more than entertainment—they can be tools for understanding, emotional support, and connection.
When children see characters who experience challenges similar to their own, they are reminded that they are not alone.
Sarah’s Work
Children’s Author
Sarah is the creator of the Princess Lily Series and the Princess Alannah Series, with stories focused on courage, inclusion, and helping children navigate difficult experiences through imagination and hope.
Her books explore themes such as:
- facing medical challenges,
- understanding emotions,
- friendship,
- bravery,
- belonging,
- and seeing possibilities beyond a diagnosis.
Founder of Enchanted Hope Foundation
Sarah founded Enchanted Hope Foundation to continue the mission that began with Princess Lily: helping children and families feel supported during serious illness.
The foundation provides story-based resources, community programs, and opportunities to create moments of joy and connection for children and families.
Advocate for Representation
Sarah is passionate about ensuring children can find themselves reflected in the stories they read.
For children experiencing cancer, medical treatments, hair loss, hospital stays, or other challenges, representation can provide comfort and help families begin important conversations.
Sarah’s mission is simple:
Every child deserves to feel brave.
Every child deserves to feel seen.
Every child deserves a story where they belong.
Speaking & Community Engagement
Sarah shares her journey as an author, mother, and nonprofit founder with audiences who are passionate about:
- the importance of representation in children’s literature,
- supporting children through serious illness,
- transforming personal experiences into meaningful change,
- the healing power of storytelling,
- and building compassionate communities.
Sarah is available for:
- Author visits
- School programs
- Healthcare and nonprofit events
- Children’s literacy events
- Community conversations
- Speaking engagements
Beyond the Books
When Sarah isn’t writing or leading Enchanted Hope Foundation, she enjoys spending time with her family, creating new stories, and finding new ways to bring hope and kindness to children who need it most.
Her greatest inspiration continues to be the children and families who show incredible strength every day.
Join Sarah’s Mission
Whether you discover Sarah through her books, her nonprofit work, or her advocacy, you are becoming part of a community built on hope, kindness, and courage.