The 64-year-old Brazilian grandfather, Joao Stanganelli Junior, has suffered from vitiligo since childhood, but the most pronounced changes in his skin began to appear from the age of 30. When he retired, he started knitting dolls for little ones with the same disease to help them feel normal.
Vitiligo is a long-term skin disease in which areas of skin lose pigment and turn white. The disorder, which affects approximately 1-3% of the population, is generally harmless physically, but can lead to psychological stress and social stigma, as well as increased sensitivity to the sun.
Recently retired due to health issues, João decided to pursue a hobby to stay active. He and his wife started crocheting, and even if at first this job was not easy for him, he quickly understood and became a real professional in this job.
Joao says the hook is quite addictive – once you get used to the rhythm, it’s hard to stop!
The man’s first project was a doll for his granddaughter, the task of which was to remind the girl of her beloved grandfather. That’s why he created a doll with spots very similar to those of people suffering from this disease. After that, everything changed.
João then made other dolls, including one in a wheelchair. All have been designed to help children feel ‘normal’ and enjoy themselves no matter what health condition they have to live with.
Encouraged and inspired by the joy and self-esteem his dolls were beginning to bring, Joao continued to create, using social media to popularize his work.
It should be noted that a man is a great example that even in retirement you can be a full member of society, moreover, be useful.
Understanding and identifying differences is the best way to encourage integration, as well as an obligatory fight against the social stigma that breeds ignorance. That’s exactly what João is doing with his new hobby, while making many little ones smile. Well done Joe!
