For a little child, a doll could mean more than just a toy. It is a friend and also a reason for them to smile.

An inspiring woman from Wisconsin thought that giving dolls can cheer up any child, especially the disabled who might think that being different is not a good thing. She wanted to make them see how truly special they are so she decided to make unique dolls who are look-alikes of their child owners!

Amy Jandrisevits, a former social worker, does not want disabled children to think that they are different. They are, in fact, special in their own way and deserved to be loved like everyone else. So, she started a non-profit which she called “A Doll Like Me” and personally sew and design dolls that resemble the disabled children she gave them to.

People online found her initiative a genuine act of kindness and touching advocacy that deserves to be applauded.

Amy made dolls with designs that are patterned to the kids’ disabilities. She made sure that all special features are considered, even those that hide beneath the children’s clothes. She meticulously sews and stitches all dolls and made sure that the kids will truly be happy about seeing a plushy toy just as special and beautiful as they are.

Amy shared in an interview with Today that she created her first doll about half a decade ago. It was a gift she gave for her friend’s transgender child who was transitioning at the time. Her friend posted her work online and the response she got for her doll was something she did not expect.

People noticed her talent and asked if she can also make a doll for their children.

“It is a really hard sell to tell a kid, ‘You are perfect the way you are,’ and to build self-esteem that way but never offer them anything that looks like them,” she said. “We are going to change the story.”

Requests to make dolls came in heaps and despite the two-year waiting list, a lot of people are still willing to get a doll knowing that Amy puts all her effort and love in the plushy toys she makes. Each doll is customized by Amy at her Wisconsin home.

“It is so important to show those kids images of themselves,” Amy further shared with Today. “Dolls have a power we don’t completely understand.”

Amy had to spend so many hours looking at the kids’ pictures to accurately match their appearances. It was something that made her feel honored.

“These dolls are loaded with so many emotions,” she said. “It is quite amazing to be allowed into people’s lives.”

The families who received the dolls are happy to share the positive impact that the toy brings to their child. The kids are finding their doll representations as a great source of confidence that helps them believe in themselves more.

Amy’s passion for collecting dolls and her experience as a former pediatric oncology social worker made it easier for her to know and reflect the emotions and stories behind every doll she made. What she does is a great combination of what she, herself, loves, and what she loves to do for others.

Are you with Amy in her incredibly inspiring initiative to make disabled kids happier? You may view her work on her Facebook page “A Doll Like Me” and find out how you can donate on her GoFundMe page.

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Source: Bored Panda, Today