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Today on Beyond the Bleeds, we’re again joined by Kathleen Gerus-Darbison, sociology professor and founder of the Stitches Doll Project, as John and Heather continue their conversation about the impact of storytelling, creative expression, and community.
Kathleen shares how the Stitches Doll Project grew beyond its original focus on women living with HIV to include women and girls with bleeding disorders, survivors of violence, and other communities seeking a way to tell their stories. What began as a simple creative activity has evolved into a powerful tool for education, connection, and healing.
The conversation explores how the dolls are used in workshops, conferences, and community spaces to help participants express difficult experiences and feel less alone. Kathleen also shares powerful stories from participants and describes the emotional impact people experience when they encounter the dolls and their stories.
John and Heather talk with Kathleen about the lasting impact of the project and her hopes for its future. From medical conferences to museums, Kathleen hopes the dolls will continue to educate others and preserve the voices of women and girls whose stories deserve to be remembered.
“We needed a way for women to tell their stories. When one woman speaks, it gives others permission to do the same.” — Kathleen Gerus-Darbison
This episode of Beyond the Bleeds explores:
- How the Stitches Doll Project expanded into multiple communities
- The healing power of creative expression
- Stories from participants who created dolls to share their experiences
- How exhibits and displays help educate others
- Kathleen’s hopes for the future of the Stitches Doll Project
Looking for practical tips, expert advice, and a sense of community while living with or supporting someone with a bleeding disorder?
Subscribe to Beyond the Bleeds, the podcast that explores life with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and other rare conditions. Hosted by Heather Hansen and John Mazzariello, we share real stories and helpful conversations to support families at every stage.
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Learn More About the Stitches Doll Project
The dolls and their poignant stories can be viewed on the Stitches Doll Project website at http://stitchesdollproject.org/. The project continues to provide women and girls a powerful way to share their experiences and educate others through creative expression.
