Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the toys they cherish, and one Massachusetts mom recently went viral for expressing her gratitude to American Girl for doing just that. Sarah Thompson took to Facebook to share her appreciation for the company’s inclusive dolls, particularly for her daughter, Lily, who has alopecia.
Lily was diagnosed with alopecia at just four years old. Last Christmas, she received a bald American Girl doll, which brought her immense joy. However, Sarah noticed that her daughter often wondered why dolls like hers weren’t more prominently displayed in stores. “I struggled to find a good answer for her,” Sarah admitted.
That changed recently when they visited the Natick store for Lily’s birthday celebration. “As soon as we stepped off the escalator, there it was—a beautiful display featuring bald dolls!” Sarah recounted. “Lily was over the moon! We even spotted them in two other locations throughout the store!” Importantly, these dolls were showcased openly, rather than hidden away, making them visible to all shoppers, especially for Lily, who had longed to see them front and center.
In her touching post, Sarah emphasized the significance of this display: “It may not seem like a big deal to your company, but for little girls who feel ‘alone’ and yearn for dolls that mirror their beauty, it means the world. I shed many happy tears yesterday. Thank you for including all children.” Since Sarah shared her heartfelt note, it has garnered over 18,000 likes and nearly 3,000 shares, with numerous parents chiming in to express their own gratitude for American Girl’s commitment to representation. One mom shared, “My daughter has Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The wheelchair and cast set she picked for her birthday made her feel like her doll could share in her experiences. Thank you!”
Toys play a crucial role in shaping children’s perceptions of the world. When brands like American Girl make strides towards inclusivity, they not only foster a sense of belonging for all kids but also educate them about diversity. Every child deserves to see themselves in the toys they adore. Hats off to American Girl for their efforts!
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In summary, a mom’s heartfelt thank-you to American Girl for showcasing bald dolls highlights the importance of representation in toys. This act not only brings joy to children like Lily but also fosters understanding and acceptance among peers.