A big fan of American Girl dolls, Lamaya has been working hard to make sure that there's a doll to help girls like her who have already been through so much. "1 out of every 100 children are born with a congenital heart defect and many require open-heart surgery. These children live with a chest scar for the rest of their lives. If you make a doll with a chest scar, I and many others will feel safe and normal like it doesn't have to be a secret," Lamaya wrote in the online petition she started (check it out here). "The American girl doll company has a history of embracing diversity and 'a doll for every Child.' Please make a doll with a chest scar (or a scar kit) for the many kids who live with scars that show their bravery!"

The petition, started on Change.org, has so far received more than 4,700 signatures and, according to ABC News, was inspired by another Change.org petition that asked American Girl to sell diabetes kits for their dolls. When that petition was successful, Lamaya realized there was no reason she couldn't start her own.

We think it's awesome that this 10-year-old girl is taking the matter into her own hands, and encouraging American Girl to reach out to all different kinds of girls across the country.

What do you think of Lamaya's idea? Will you sign her petition?

Photo credit: Lamaya Sakales

POSTED IN In the News, social media, Get Inspired