Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition that causes patches of the skin to lose their pigment, turning them white. Although it is physically painless, it can cause stress for those who have it, in our world that puts so much value on conventional beauty. For some, it means bullying, and that is something João Stanganelli Junior knows all too well.
João is 64 years old and has been living with the condition since his 30s. His vitiligo has become gradually more noticeable as he's aged. He recently retired and needed a hobby so he and his wife took up crocheting. His first project was a doll for his granddaughter, and to make sure it was something she would remember him by, he added a few vitiligo patches to the doll. That's when João got the idea to make more inclusive dolls.
João started making more dolls for children with disabilities, including a doll in a wheelchair and dolls with vitiligo. He created the dolls to help children feel "normal" and values, no matter their condition.
“The spots I have are beautiful. What hurts me are the flaws in people’s characters,” João said.
Well, these dolls got a huge response on Instagram.
"I have a son with vitiligo and put up with a lot of mean comments throughout his childhood," one user wrote. "This is very sweet of you to do for these kids!"
While another commenter added: "My daughter has this. Cannot wait to show her in the morning. Would love her to know of others with same condition."
This is awesome.....if you want to see more photos check out his Instagram below and that's your GOOD NEWS, BABY!