Help American Girl understand why limb difference dolls are so important

My daughter, Jordan, started asking me why her dolls don't look just like her when she was four years old. We had just purchased her first Bitty Baby from Chicago's American Girl Store. She had a matching outfit. They had the same hair color.

The problem? Jordan was born with one hand and she has always wanted one of her American Girl dolls to look just like her. For now, that is not possible. Limb difference parents from across the country have requested the consideration for a custom limb-different doll. Each time, the company replies with a "no."

I applaud American Girl for releasing a diabetes kit as an accessory in 2016. I would love to see the company continue to expand ways to help more girls feel like they really have a "Truly Me" doll.

My daughter, Jordan, started asking me why her dolls don't look just like her when she was four years old. We had just purchased her first Bitty Baby from Chicago's American Girl Store. She had a matching outfit. They had the same hair color.

The problem? Jordan was born with one hand and she has always wanted one of her American Girl dolls to look just like her. For now, that is not possible. Limb difference parents from across the country have requested the consideration for a custom limb-different doll. Each time, the company replies with a "no."

I applaud American Girl for releasing a diabetes kit as an accessory in 2016. I would love to see the company continue to expand ways to help more girls feel like they really have a "Truly Me" doll.