'A Doll Like Me': Woman Creates Dolls Representing Kids With Disabilities

Amy Jandrisevits's journey began in a pediatric oncology unit where she worked as a social worker. During her time there, she used dolls as part of play therapy to comfort and engage the children. However, she noticed a glaring issue: all the dolls had thick hair and were in perfect health, starkly contrasting the children she was helping, who often had cancer and other serious health conditions. This realization sparked a transformative idea for Amy. She understood that for these children to truly feel beautiful and represented, they needed dolls that mirrored their unique appearances.

Crafting Dolls That Reflect Real Children

Determined to make a difference, Amy founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating dolls that look like children with disabilities and various health conditions. Her dolls feature limb differences, body markings, and other physical characteristics of children with disabilities. What began as a heartfelt project soon blossomed into a full-time mission for Amy.

From Personal Endeavor to Community Support

Initially, Amy charged for her custom dolls, but she soon recognized that not all families could afford the cost. To address this, she launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the expenses of materials and shipping for families in need. "I love being able to provide this kind of service for kids," Amy remarked. "And the 10-year-old version of me would be impressed that I still get to play with dolls!"

Amy's dedication led her to create approximately 300 dolls! Each doll costs about $100 to make, but the joy and validation they bring to children are priceless. Through her GoFundMe campaign, which previously raised nearly $23,000 of its $25,000 goal, Amy aims to turn A Doll Like Me into an official nonprofit organization. This status would enable her to reach more children and ensure that no family has to bear the cost of a doll that could significantly impact their child's mental health and self-esteem.

Partnership with Children's Hospitals

Amy has already formed partnerships with children's hospitals to identify kids who would benefit from having a doll tailored to their likeness. This collaboration represents the therapeutic value of these dolls in medical care, aligning with Amy's belief that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being.

Each doll Amy creates is unique, reflecting the individual characteristics and interests of the child who will receive it. From limb differences and albinism to birthmarks and burn scars, Amy's dolls encompass uniqueness. Her willingness to try new designs ensures that she can meet the diverse needs of the children she serves. 

Heartwarming Reactions

The reactions from children upon receiving their dolls are heartwarming and often emotional. One little girl, upon seeing her doll, exclaimed, "She's just like me!" These moments highlight the profound impact of Amy's work. To explore the A Doll Like Me Facebook page is to witness countless first meetings between children and their personalized dolls, each one a testament to Amy's attention to detail and commitment to representation.

Amy emphasizes that dolls are more than just toys; they are tools for validation and acceptance. "Dolls are validating for the little people they reflect," she said. "And on the other side, dolls are a tangible way to share kindness and demonstrate acceptance. These children are perfect just the way they are!" Through A Doll Like Me, Amy Jandrisevits continues to be a hero, making a profound difference in the lives of children with disabilities.