American Girl

Mamas! The American Girl’s 2020 Girl of the Year doll is Joss Kendrick.

The new doll, which debuted on “Good Morning America,” is a competitive cheerleader and a surfer from southern California.

As a first for an American Girl doll, Joss has hearing loss and wears a hearing aid.

According to her story, Joss was born deaf in her left ear but can hear some out of her right ear with the help of a hearing aid that comes with the doll as an accessory. Pursuing surfing and going all-in with cheer, Joss reaches new heights and discovers a whole new side of herself.

“Whether she’s on her surfboard or in the gym, Joss shows girls the importance of trying new things, pushing past stereotypes, and being a good team player,” American Girl said in a statement unveiling the new character.

American Girl partnered with different experts specializing in surfing, competitive cheerleading, hearing loss as well as the portrayals of deaf characters in literature to create Joss.

The company also announced a $25,000 donation to support the work of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), a national nonprofit representing people with hearing loss.

Many mamas will be happy to hear, this brand has introduced more diverse and inclusive dolls over the years, including dolls of different skin tones and ethnic backgrounds, to make all girls feel seen or learn about another culture.

In addition, dolls are available without hair for anyone dealing with hair loss.

Hearing aids, a service-dog set, glasses and a wheelchair are accessories that have been on the market, but hearing aids have not been part of the Girl of the Year doll’s story before.

The Joss collection is available today and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide.

Lauren Wiatrek
Lauren Wiatrek is a native Austinite that after moving to New York and Colorado, decided her heart was in the center of Texas. Her husband, Evan helped build their family of daughters in a home they love. After battling stage 3 breast cancer in 2017 Lauren has become a strong voice for wellness, health advocacy, and her faith. Lauren loves to travel every chance she can get. Lauren enjoys extra hot coffee on the porch, her F45 workouts, Young Living lifestyle, being all things as a #girlmom and helping empower women. Lauren started her journey with cancer on her blog www.bestillandsmile.com you can also follow her on her Instagram: @lauren.wiatrek for motherhood tips and her wellness journey after cancer.

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