‘A Doll Like Me’ for Kids with Disabilities

‘A Doll Like Me’ for Kids with Disabilities

Typical superheroes have powers, some can fly, and others have super strength. But there is one hero that is different among them, her super skill is using a sewing machine and her name is Amy Jandrisevits.

Amy Jandrisevits used to be a social worker in a pediatric oncology unit. She uses dolls with her young therapy patients. But then, she realized that her dolls were created perfect and that is the opposite of the children she works with, in the cancer unit. This inspired her to create ‘A Doll Like Me’ for children with disabilities that has made an impact around the world.

These Ragedy Ann dolls were made to look just like the children that play with them

She makes dolls with a twist. These Ragedy Ann dolls were made to look just like the children that play with them. For Amy, it is hard to make a child understand their beauty when they don’t see representations of themselves anywhere, even in the toys they play with. She has been making these dolls for four years and already has a waiting list.

Children who receive dolls that look just like them is priceless.

Requests from parents started pouring in upon hearing about ‘A Doll Like Me’. Amy has already made approximately 300 ‘A Doll Like Me’ dolls since she started. Each doll costs $100 to make but the look on the faces of children who receive dolls that look just like them is priceless.

For families who cannot afford to pay $100 for ‘A Doll Like Me’, she makes up for the cost however she can. 

For families who cannot afford to pay $100 for ‘A Doll Like Me’, she makes up for the cost however she can. That is why she set up a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of material and shipping, and people have been very supportive of her project that she has raised $23,000 of the $25,000 goal.

Amy has partnered with a children’s hospital to help kids who could benefit from a doll that is truly their own.

Amy has partnered with a children’s hospital to help kids who could benefit from a doll that is truly their own. Dolls have proven to be essential for the well being of the children and they provide comfort to those going through a difficult time. Also, looking at the dolls, these children won't feel different.

Go Fund Me are so impressed with Amy’s ‘A Doll Like Me’ mission that she was named their Hero of December. 

Go Fund Me are so impressed with Amy’s ‘A Doll Like Me’ mission that she was named their Hero of December. According to her, it was an honor that her labor of love was recognized and that other people believe in the power of representation. 

All the dolls are made with a child in mind. They are made for children with numerous disabilities and differences. She also keeps the kid’s personal interests in mind too.

Seeing their happy faces when they hold their doll for the first time is really heartwarming for Amy. 

While her recognition means a lot to her, the real joy comes from the children. Seeing their happy faces when they hold their doll for the first time is really heartwarming for Amy.

Dolls are validating for the children they reflect.

Dolls are validating for the children they reflect. It also demonstrates acceptance. In a world where they may feel different, these dolls help them to feel more confident.

These children are perfect just the way they are!

These children are perfect just the way they are!

If you would like to donate to Amy’s ‘A Doll Like Me’ campaign, you can via her GoFundMe page here. (https://ca.gofundme.com/msbezk)

“True beauty is born through our actions and aspirations and in the kindness we offer to others.”

- Alek Wek