Grandad with rare skin condition makes dolls for children with same condition

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For decades, a 64-year-old gentleman suffering from vitiligo has devoted his time to designing and making crocheted dolls specifically for kids who also have this condition. His aim is to enhance their self-confidence.

As a retiree hailing from Brazil and previously immersed in the food industry, I found myself drawn to crocheting as a newfound passion. At the age of 38, I was diagnosed with vitiligo, which led me to create my very first doll with a unique pattern inspired by my condition. This one-of-a-kind doll, adorned with depigmented patches, was especially crafted for my precious granddaughter.

Vitiligo refers to a health issue where your skin develops long-lasting, white spots or patches because there’s not enough melanin being produced. Melanin is responsible for giving our skin its color.

Creative crochet

Ever since I crafted my very first doll, I’ve been on a mission to create dozens more, each one unique and designed to represent conditions like vitiligo and alopecia in children. These creations are close to my heart.

On his Instagram account, which boasts nearly 30,000 followers, you’ll find a wide array of crochet creations – from intricate nativity scenes to adorable animal figurines, as well as outfits for dolls modeled after Disney characters such as Snow White.

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A post shared by João Stanganelli Junior (@vovocrocheteiro)

On his Amigaruma da Lena Facebook page, Stanganelli showcases a variety of handmade crochet items he’s created, many of which have been sent to kids across the globe. The page’s description states: “Here you’ll find different types of crocheted pieces I offer. I am open for custom orders and commissions as well.

Anyone interested in commissioning Stanganelli’s work can do so through his Facebook page.

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2025-07-07 14:18