Woman Creates Inclusive Dolls Representing Their Owners That Face Rare Health Conditions (30 Pics)

Browsing infinite isles of toys, we still lack representation of rare condition-having children who could find comfort in dolls that look like them. Therefore, Amy, the founder ofA Doll Like Me, took this matter into her own hands, literally, and started a nonprofit organization 5 years ago.

Without further ado, we invite you to this beautiful gallery showcasing children’s joy as they pose next to a doll that finally looks like them.

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“A Doll Like Me” Project (New Pics)

Creating these dolls for Amy is both heartwarming and heartbreaking due to the stories behind them. Previously, the artist shared that: “Knowing that a child may only live a few more weeks after receiving their doll is really hard to comprehend. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t feel deeply for these kids and their families. Seeing pictures of kids with their dolls in their last days is so hard. And it’s also hard seeing dolls with families once the child has died - it’s quite literally a physical representation of their child. That part will never get easier.”

“A Doll Like Me” Project (New Pics)

No matter the horrors that these children had to face at a young age, something small like a toy that ‘gets them’ can bring much joy into their lives.Amy wrote that she “always finds it interesting that kids will name their doll either their own name or some variation of their name. It goes to show you that dolls can be that important. We talk a lot about being inclusive and representing all bodies, colors, sizes… but how does that look for a child? It looks like this. Being inclusive for children isn’t just saying ‘we see you’… it’s entering their world and creating something that they can relate to.”

No matter the horrors that these children had to face at a young age, something small like a toy that ‘gets them’ can bring much joy into their lives.

Amy wrote that she “always finds it interesting that kids will name their doll either their own name or some variation of their name. It goes to show you that dolls can be that important. We talk a lot about being inclusive and representing all bodies, colors, sizes… but how does that look for a child? It looks like this. Being inclusive for children isn’t just saying ‘we see you’… it’s entering their world and creating something that they can relate to.”

“A Doll Like Me” Project (New Pics)

Though the creation of these dolls has its hardships, Amy confirmed that she will continue to make them. “I love being able to provide this kind of service for kids. And the 10-year-old version of me would be impressed that I still get to play with dolls!”

“A Doll Like Me” Project (New Pics)