Every youngster receives a handmade, individually designed doll from this doll maker that resembles them

From early on, the selection of toys one engages with holds the potential to shape one’s world. Recollecting my childhood, the lack of dolls, animated figures, or actresses resembling me led to a constant feeling of discord with my appearance. Times, however, are evolving. Major corporations like Mattel have recognized the need for inclusivity, now offering dolls in varying forms, genders, and skin tones.

Nonetheless, gaps in the market persist, particularly for children facing special needs, physical disabilities, or skin conditions. This is where Amy Jandrisevits enters the scene. Through her groundbreaking venture, “A Doll Like Me,” Amy plans to craft customized dolls for children who seldom encounter their own reflection on store shelves. The impact of these dolls, resembling these youngsters, extends far beyond aesthetics—it can be life-altering.

As a former pediatric oncology social worker, Amy harnessed the power of play therapy to aid children in navigating circumstances beyond their control. A challenge surfaced when the dolls at her disposal failed to mirror the children under her care.

“Dolls play a pivotal role in facilitating play therapy,” Amy emphasizes. “For those denied the privilege of recognizing themselves in influential spaces, a doll mirroring their identity becomes a source of profound validation.”

Fueled by her childhood affinity for dolls and her enthusiasm for social work, Amy’s “A Doll Like Me” initiative transitioned into a nonprofit, a dream she never envisaged. She envisions her younger self being elated at the prospect of using dolls to rewrite narratives for countless children.

“I am a doll artisan who firmly believes that every child, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, medical condition, or physique, deserves to gaze upon a doll’s endearing countenance and witness their reflection,” she states on her GoFundMe project page. “I frequently discuss rewriting narratives, reshaping our perspectives of individuals. Contemplate the significance of representation and inclusivity from a child’s vantage point. The moment they perceive themselves in influential contexts, a message of inclusiveness is conveyed—a pivotal force molding a child’s self-perception. Diversity and representation within dolls possess the potential to revolutionize childhood.”

Amy is steadfast in her commitment to ensuring that every child—those with limb differences, albinism, cancer, birthmarks, scars, or burns—feels cherished. Her mission extends to standardizing, embodying, validating, and fundamentally offering a source of soft, comforting solace when children need it most. Amy’s artistry has given rise to over 450 unique dolls, each story as heartwarming as the next. Although parents and caregivers usually initiate requests for these dolls, recent years have witnessed inquiries from medical professionals and educators who recognize the therapeutic potency of play. Thanks to the nonprofit status and generous donations via GoFundMe, no family has had to bear the cost of their cherished doll.

“There are instances where I’m aware that the recipient of one of my dolls might have limited time left, and when they eventually pass, the doll becomes even more of an invaluable keepsake for their loved ones.”

Amy remains acutely aware of the significance of her craft, never taking it for granted. She frequently employs her platform to advocate for inclusion and representation in a child’s world. Her belief in her duty to champion the rights of the children she has the privilege of knowing is unwavering.

“Each of us brings our unique talents to the table, and it’s crucial to recognize that even minor gestures can profoundly impact others, often in ways we cannot fully grasp. We all have many reasons to opt out—’ I’m too busy, too financially strained, too old, too young, too unwell, too apprehensive’—but the reasons to engage and the subsequent benefits are even more abundant. Support Amy’s GoFundMe campaign and contribute to enabling a child to witness their identity reflected in a meticulously crafted doll.

Extending a helping hand to those in need is as uncomplicated as clicking a button. Explore our toolkit for fundraising and initiate a GoFundMe campaign that gives back to your community.

Source: upworthy