A grandfather who picked up crocheting as a hobby has turned his newfound skill into something much bigger, creating dolls that help children see themselves represented.

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Brazilian grandfather João Stanganelli Jr. began crocheting after health problems forced him to step back from his work in the food industry, per PEOPLE.

The 64-year-old, who has vitiligo himself, initially spent his time learning the craft and making everything from rugs to animals.

But after getting to grips with crocheting, Stanganelli decided to create something particularly personal for his granddaughter.

He made her a doll featuring vitiligo patches, giving her something that would remind her of her grandfather and the condition he has lived with since the age of 38.

His granddaughter’s reaction made it clear the doll meant far more than simply being another handmade toy.

After seeing how delighted she was, Stanganelli proudly posted a photograph of his creation online.

That decision helped turn his hobby into an unexpected project.

People began contacting him with requests for their own dolls, which became known as “vitilindas” and “vitilindos”, allowing children with vitiligo to have toys that reflected their appearance.

Speaking to PEOPLE in Portuguese, Stanganelli explained just how much the reaction has meant to him.

“I feel blessed for the opportunity to bring a little encouragement to people,” he said. “The response is always positive. I’m happy! [The kids] love the dolls and feel represented.”

And his creations have since gone beyond representing vitiligo.

Stanganelli has made around 200 custom dolls, including one using a wheelchair, another with alopecia and another featuring a cochlear implant.

His work has attracted plenty of attention online, with his Instagram account showcasing photographs of the dolls alongside images of Stanganelli working on his creations with his trademark wide smile.

His story has also made headlines, while his following on Instagram has grown to nearly 10,000 people.

“It’s been wonderful,” he said. “So far it’s only positive.”

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes areas of the skin to lose colour. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, between 0.5 and one percent of the global population lives with the condition, which can progress over time.

For Stanganelli, however, the dolls have provided a way of transforming his own experience of vitiligo into something capable of encouraging children living with the same condition and other disabilities.

And after seeing the impact his work has already had, he has no plans to put down his crochet hook.

“It has been rewarding, stimulating. I’m happy to be a good influencer,” he said.

He also offered a message that neatly sums up the thinking behind his creations: “Stains on vitiligo are beautiful. What is ugly is stains on people’s character.”

Featured image credit: João Stanganelli Junior / Instagram