In a touching display of gratitude, a Massachusetts mother recently shared a heartfelt note on social media thanking American Girl for their commitment to inclusivity. The note has since gone viral, highlighting the importance of representation in toys for children with unique needs.
The mother, Sarah Thompson, expressed her appreciation for American Girl’s decision to prominently feature a bald doll, which holds significant meaning for her eight-year-old daughter, Lily, who was diagnosed with alopecia at the age of four. Last Christmas, Lily received an American Girl doll without hair that brought her immense joy. However, when they visited an American Girl store, she was left wondering why there weren’t more dolls like hers on display. “I struggled to provide her with a satisfying answer,” Sarah admitted.
Everything changed during their latest visit to the Natick store for Lily’s birthday celebration. Sarah recounted the moment in her post, sharing, “As we stepped off the escalator on the second floor, there it was—a display featuring bald dolls! My daughter was over the moon! We even spotted them in two additional areas throughout the store!” She emphasized that the dolls were not tucked away in a corner or only available upon request, but were proudly displayed for everyone, especially for her daughter who had been curious about their visibility.
“This may seem minor to your company,” Sarah continued, “but for little girls who often feel isolated and long to see dolls that mirror their own beauty, it means the world. I shed many happy tears during our visit. Thank you for including all kids.” Since her post, it has garnered over 18,000 likes and nearly 3,000 shares, with numerous other parents chiming in to voice their gratitude for American Girl’s dedication to diversity. One parent remarked, “My daughter has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The medical equipment set was her favorite gift this year. She was thrilled that her doll could share her experiences. Thank you, American Girl, for making our daughter feel valued and acknowledged!”
The significance of toys in shaping children’s understanding of the world cannot be overstated. By making efforts to accommodate children with varying abilities, companies like American Girl not only foster inclusivity but also educate children about their peers. Each child deserves to see themselves reflected in the toys they cherish. Kudos to American Girl for taking steps to ensure that every child feels represented.
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In summary, a mother’s note thanking American Girl for their inclusive representation of bald dolls has resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of visibility and acceptance in children’s toys.