Changeworker of the Week #34: Ayona Jaswal Bringing Humanity Back into Pediatric Care

For Ayona Jaswal, healthcare is not only about treating illness: it’s about caring for the whole human being.

As a Youth Healthcare Advocate and Founder of The Kindness and Smile Zone, her work centers a simple but powerful truth:

Children are not their diagnosis. Through her organization and her research project Still a Kid Beyond the Diagnosis, Ayona is working to bring joy, normalcy, and emotional support into clinical environments:  spaces that too often overlook the inner world of the child.

Through the #MyPieceForChange campaign, we invite people to share their unique contributions to collective transformation. This series exists to honor their stories, amplify their voices, and connect them with a wider community of like-minded peers. Today, we’re honored to introduce our Changeworker of the Week: Ayona Jaswal whom we had the pleasure of interviewing for this special spotlight.

What’s your piece for change?

My piece for change is focused on humanizing the pediatric healthcare experience. Through my organization, The Kindness and Smile Zone, and my research project, Still a Kid – Beyond the Diagnosis, I work to ensure that children facing medical challenges aren't defined by their illness. Whether it's through creative resources like my novella, Colors of Courage, or community-led initiatives, I aim to bring a sense of normalcy, joy, and resilience to kids in clinical environments.

What inspired you to begin this work or stay committed to it?

I’ve always been deeply moved by the courage of children navigating the healthcare system. Seeing how a small gesture, a story, a smile, or a moment of genuine connection, can shift a child's entire outlook is what keeps me committed. I want to bridge the gap between medical treatment and emotional well-being, fueled by the belief that every child deserves to feel like a kid first and a patient second. As someone who has and continues to be a patient and frequent visitor to the hospital for my own health concerns, I first-hand witnessed the feeling that patients and their families/friends go through. 

What’s one hope or vision you hold for the future?

I envision a future where kindness is considered a fundamental part of the prescription in pediatric care. I hope to see a world where medical environments are transformed into spaces of empowerment and creativity, where every child feels seen, supported, and hopeful regardless of their diagnosis.

What support or connection are you currently looking for?

I am always looking to connect with healthcare professionals, fellow youth advocates, and community leaders who are passionate about patient-centered care. I’m also eager to find collaborators who can help scale our resources to reach more hospitals and clinics globally, ensuring these tools are accessible to every child who needs them.

What’s one thing about your field or topic you wish more people knew, considered, or acted on?

I wish people realized that soft support, like emotional wellness and creative outlets, is just as vital as clinical treatment. A child’s mental and emotional state directly impacts their healing journey. We need to move toward a more holistic approach where we treat the person, not just the symptoms.

What practices, tools, or resources have supported you most on your changework journey?

Storytelling has been my most powerful tool; it allows us to share lived experiences in a way that facts and figures can’t. On a personal level, I rely heavily on community-building frameworks and mentorship. I’ve also found a lot of peace and grounding in gardening, it reminds me that growth takes time and that every small seed of an idea needs a safe space to bloom.

Can you share a moment or experience that deeply shaped the way you approach change today?

Writing and publishing Colors of Courage was a pivotal moment for me. Hearing from families about how the book helped their children find their own colors during difficult treatments taught me that you don't need a massive platform to make a meaningful difference. Change often starts with one person feeling less alone because of something you created.

What collective shift do you believe is needed for meaningful change to happen and what gives you hope that it’s possible?

We need a shift from doing for to designing with. Real change happens when we listen to those with lived experiences, in this case, the children and families themselves. What gives me hope is seeing the incredible rise of youth-led movements. We aren't waiting for the future to make an impact; we are doing it right now with empathy and innovation.

How do you take care of your own energy or wellbeing while doing this work?

I find my balance through the arts, playing the clarinet and violin or practicing classical dance helps me recharge. I also spend a lot of time in my garden. It’s my safe space where I can step away from the digital world and academic pressure to just be present with nature.

Where can people learn more about your work or connect with you?

You can find more about my initiatives at The Kindness and Smile Zone website and follow my journey on social media!

• Website: https://linktr.ee/thekindnessandsmilezone

• Instagram:@the_kindness_and_smile_zone

The Parayma community is rooted in authentic, supportive relationships. 

Ayona’s changework reminds us that healing is not only physical: it is emotional, relational, and deeply human.

Thank you, Ayona, for your beautiful #PieceForChange.

If you are reimagining care, community, or systems, we invite you to share your story and join the movement.