João Stanganelli first developed Vitiligo–a skin condition that causes discoloration and splotchy skin pigmentation–in his thirties.
He knows first hand how Vitiligo can affect a person’s self esteem, and his heart broke for children who struggle with the condition. Not only do they deal with bullying for being different, but also not being able to find dolls that look like them.
So, Stanganelli decided to do something to make children with Vitiligo feel less excluded and different: he learned how to crochet, in order to make dolls with custom skintones.
Based in Brazil, Stanganelli says that even though his hands and fingers often cramp from so much crocheting, he has no plans to retire or slow down, after seeing the joy and self-esteem that his dolls bring to people.