A social worker in a pediatric oncology unit creates personalized dolls for children who have disabilities. She calls them “A Doll Like Me”.
Personalized Dolls
Amy Jandrisevits helps sick children adjust to what felt like an out of control situation as a social worker. Often times, she uses dolls to her play therapy with the kids, but she eventually noticed something wrong with the dolls. The dolls that she’s using seemed to be in perfect health contrary to the children she’s working with.
“What you ideally want is for a child to see him or herself in the doll that you are using because, again, shouldn’t all kids be able to see themselves? You and I know that that’s not the case. Scars, birthmarks, limb differences, skin coloring, medical equipment…those are all things that you rarely see in dolls, but for kids who have those, it’s everything,” Amy stated on her GoFundMe campaign.
That is when Amy decided to create personalized dolls to children who need them. Amy personally cuts a piece of fabric and sew them into a doll that looks like the child who would love it.
“Many kids have never have had the opportunity to see their sweet faces reflected in a doll. It’s hard to tell a child that they are beautiful but follow it with – but you’ll never see yourself in anything that looks like you,” she added.
Nonprofit Ministry
Each doll cost around $100 to make and usually. Parents and caregivers pay for the doll. When they can’t afford that amount, Amy covers the cost herself. Amy wanted her “A Doll Like Me” to be a nonprofit ministry to children.
“Ultimately, I don’t want any parent to have to pay for something that’s so important. If we’re going to look at mental health as a necessary part of medical care, this is key. My ultimate goal is to fulfill every doll order that comes in and not has the families have to pay for it. I think that a doll is a tangible way to show kindness,” Amy stated.
Amy’s work has changed the lives of hundreds of children and brought joy to their families. May God continue to bless the work of her hand!
Read also: Toddler Wins Battle With Rare Type Of Cancer
Reference: Diply