My greatest challenge- an amputee doll.

Some time ago, I was privileged to be asked to create a doll for a very special and deserving little girl. The Lady Cilento Children's Hospital were looking for a doll to help a cheeky 5 year old with her physical, social and emotional therapy after her life was turned upside down. Mia's story in a nutshell is one of outstanding bravery and courage. You see Mia developed a sepsis in her blood, became so acutely ill and was rushed to hospital where she was placed on life support. Her parents thought they had lost her and and in order to save her life, doctors made the heart breaking decision to amputate all her limbs - mid forearm and mid calf. But Mia is a real fighter and in her true happy spirit, she is on the road to recovery. I am amazed at how she continues to laugh and giggle despite the enormous road ahead.

So about 10 months down the track and this is where I became involved. Making the doll wasn't hard but trying to design a practical, robust and therapeutic doll while meeting Mia's specific requests was a challenge to say the least. I had taken for granted how much a child relies on their fingers and hands to use in play. I found myself wrapping my own hands in socks to emulate Mia's limbs and see if I could pick up, remove clothes and put on prosthetic doll limbs! Consequently I have an unwavering respect and am in awe of those people with amputations who face these challenges every day.

The end result? Well I am pretty pleased with this doll and her special travel bag and hope that Mia can find comfort, healing and feel nurtured as she adjusts to her new way of life.