2019 Lindy Award Winners: IMPACT Philly-Team Sacred Scarves

Posted by Jefferson University on September 26, 2019

IMPACT Philly

IMPACT Philly seeks to provide experiential learning opportunities for high school students to cultivate confidence and leadership skills while giving back to the community. With the assistance of Jefferson University, students use innovative problem solving methods to address needs of local non-profits and design practical solutions. 

PROJECT SACRED SCARVES

Team Sacred Scarves has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House to create 250 personalized head scarves for kids and their siblings dealing with cancer for their 2019 Summer Oncology Camp in the Poconos. The scarves come in the form of an activity kit that aims to help childhood cancer patients feel more confident after losing their hair while undergoing chemotherapy. The kits include the following: 

• Customizable box
• 1 pre-designed scarf (Jefferson Fashion and Graphic Design students assist with creating gender neutral patterns, fabric selection and manufacturing scarves) 
• 1 blank scarf for the oncology patients to decorate as they wish
• Fabric markers and stencils to have children color and make their own designs
• General decorating supplies including fabric glue, a variety of stencils, adhesive jewels/stickers etc. for use for the entire group
• Instructions for wearing scarf in various styles 

PROJECT GOAL

The goal of the kit is multi-faceted. In hospital settings, it can be used as a creative outlet while kids are administered their chemotherapy medication. Another area of focus is to partner with organizations that support patients/families dealing with cancer. The kits serve as a bonding activity to provide kids dealing with cancer the ability to express their individualism and boost self-esteem through art therapy.

OUR PROCESS

Team Sacred Scarves had an initial interest focused on finding a way to help younger oncology patients boost their self-esteem. Utilizing design thinking as their problem solving method, students were able to meet with kids who had been hospitalized and dealt with hair loss as a result of illness. After listening to their stories, they were able to create the Sacred Scarf kit to address the needs that stood out to them most. 

With the assistance and resources that Jefferson University is providing, we are able to fulfill this order. The work ethic, mentorship and talent that Renel has provided so far during the prototyping phase has been invaluable.

IMPACT Philly Team

Jefferson University 

• Louise McShane
• Team of Fashion and Graphic Design students led by Renel Forand as Project Manager

Mercy Career & Technical High School

• Business Education Students
  • Sean Colon, Shawna Henderson, Johnnie Leca
• Teachers
  • Lori Aument, Jennifer South
• Facilitator
  • Mary Ruskey