Grandfather Makes Crochet Dolls With Vitiligo Condition To Create Awareness (Image Source – Pubity, vovocrocheteiro/Instagram)
A heartwarming story is going viral on social media once again — the inspiring tale of a grandfather who turned his skin condition, vitiligo, into his strength. Since 2018, he has been crocheting dolls for children with the same condition. These special dolls are made to reflect vitiligo, helping to spread awareness and promote acceptance.
The story of this extraordinary grandfather, Joao Stanganelli from Brazil, was recently shared on Instagram by Pubity. In the post, Joao can be seen creating dolls that mirror his own vitiligo. The caption reads, “A Brazilian grandfather named Joao Stanganelli, who himself has vitiligo, crochets dolls with vitiligo for children with the same condition. He does this to help boost their self-esteem and make them feel seen and valued. His creations are unique, inclusive, and represent various conditions, including vitiligo, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and more. Joao initially started crocheting dolls for his granddaughter, wanting her to have something to remember him by. After learning to crochet, he decided to make dolls with vitiligo to help children with the condition feel more comfortable in their skin.”
Joao also runs an Instagram account where he regularly shares videos and pictures of his crocheted dolls. These posts have received an outpouring of love and admiration from across the internet.
The comments are filled with heartwarming reactions. One user wrote, “I always think people with vitiligo look so beautiful and interesting.” Another shared their personal journey: “I found out I had vitiligo 4 years ago, and it’s been a ride for sure. At first, I didn’t really know how to feel or what to do, but over time I’ve learned to roll with it and take care of my skin in a way that feels good for me. Still figuring it out, but I’ve come a long way.” One more user commented, “God bless this man. He’s got a beautiful soul.”
Many others called him a “real-life hero” and expressed how much they loved the inclusive dolls.
