Brazilian Grandfather Crochets Dolls to Support Children with Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition that leads to skin discoloration with the loss of pigment-producing cells, which causes white patches with very sharp edges on the body. Although it affects 1-3% of the population and doesn’t result in any physical harm, it may lead to emotional anguish, social stigma, and heightened sensitivity to sunlight.

João Stanganelli Junior is a 64-year-old Brazilian grandfather who has lived with vitiligo since his 30s. The skin condition gradually became more prominent on his body throughout his years, but that did not stop him in any way. Health problems unrelated to the condition in question forced João to cut back on his work in the gastronomy industry, so he needed something to do and decided he wanted to take up a hobby. João and his wife began to crochet, and as was expected, he didn’t find it easy at first. He very quickly got the hang of it, though.

“In the beginning, my fingers and back ached a lot, but that is no longer the case,” João said to Bored Panda. “I haven’t fully retired yet; I still work in the food industry, but rather slowly. Nowadays, 90% of my time is invested in making dolls since I get so many orders.”

Soon, João learned a new reality: once one found the rhythm with which to crochet, one easily became hooked. His very first creation was a doll with vitiligo patches, for his granddaughter-so she would remember him. And that gave him an idea.

So, he started developing other kinds of dolls, even one in a wheelchair, so that kids with any conditions could find themselves and feel accepted and valued. After seeing the great reception his dolls received on children’s self-esteem, João started sharing creations via his Facebook and Instagram accounts.

For those approaching retirement age, João’s story has shown them how hobbies can be one means of giving back to the community.

“My perspective on vitiligo is a bit different from what most people have,” João shared. “I believe acceptance should come first, and then you can make a conscious decision about how you want to approach it. I often refer to a quote by Benjamin Disraeli: ‘Life is too short to be small.'”

Recently, João created a special doll for author Tati Santos de Oliveira, whose daughter Maria Luiza, age three, was diagnosed with vitiligo. White spots began to appear on Maria’s legs, back, and arms. Her mother, Tati, an author, started doing research.

“When I found out the diagnosis, I searched for material that would help her feel represented,” Tati said. “But no children’s books on the theme existed. That’s when it hit me!”

Just two days later, Tati wrote A Menina Feita de Nuvens (The Girl Made of Clouds) about Maria Luiza and her “nuvenzitas,” or “little cloud spots,” with a purpose to help kids with vitiligo love themselves and cope with what is happening to their body.

João believes the book is “a valuable resource for the education of parents and children with vitiligo” and promotes it. Hopefully it’ll be translated into English soon!

The story of João shows that inclusion would be created by understanding and embracing differences, and this can only be achieved by overcoming ignorance, which is a breeding ground for social stigma. He is making many children very happy with his crochet while bringing awareness and acceptance at the same time. Hats off to João!

Article Source: Bored Panda