Barbie introduces dolls with type 1 diabetes
The Barbie Fashionista Line includes a type 1 diabetes doll that rocks a pink glucose monitor and an insulin pump.
Barbie is launching a new hairless doll line in honor of children with hair loss, including the first Ken without hair.
The new doll is part of the brand’s existing brave Barbie line, featuring ald dolls with attached wigs. According to a press release from September 17th, the latest line introduces the first-ever brave Ken, the new belch version of Barbie’s longtime male companion.
This launch coincides with Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, which will be observed in September. However, these dolls are not sold in stores. They will be given to children around the world who suffer from cancer or autoimmune diseases that cause hair loss, the press release said.
“Their meaningful new look and expansion into brave Ken dolls have these dolls continue to embody courage and compassion,” said Nancy Morenda, vice president of global corporate events and philanthropy at Mattel, in a statement. “To put these dolls in the hands of families and see the light they bring in at the most difficult moments of life is deeply humble and a privilege that brings us closer to our hearts.”
What does a new hairless Barbie doll look like?
There are two brave Barbie dolls. According to the press release, there are five accessories: headphones, hats, headbands, wigs and sticker packs, each with five accessories included.
The first brave Ken doll features a wig in addition to the five accessories of the brave Barbie.
Chase Carter, director of community engagement at CureSearch for Children Cancer, is a nonprofit focused on the end of childhood cancer, and helped develop Brave Ken Doll.
“It was important for the brave Ken to convey the same message that the brave Barbie has given his children for years. “These dolls are more than toys, they represent the courage and companionship of fighting.”
What is the brave Barbie program?
First launched in 2013, the Brave Barbie program exclusively offers hairless dolls to children through nonprofit organizations such as CureSearch for Children Cancer.
They aim to provide comfort to children facing hair loss from cancer and other illnesses.
According to a press release, the program has given children more than 120,000 brave Barbie dolls to date.
This year, the program is expanding globally through partnerships with more organizations around the world, the release said.
Are brave Barbie and Ken for sale?
According to the release, Brave Barbie and Ken Dolls are distributed only through Mattel’s non-commercial partners.
As part of the launch of the new line, Mattel said it will distribute 10,000 dolls to children around the world.
The new doll is scheduled to roll out this fall, but Mattel has not announced an exact release date.
According to the brand, families can seek brave Barbies in treatment facilities. Families can also contact mattelchildrensfoundation@mattel.com.
Inclusive and diverse Barbie dolls
In recent years, Mattel has worked hard to launch more diverse and inclusive dolls. Last July, the brand launched the blind Barbie and the first Black Barbie with Down syndrome.
Dolls are part of Barbie’s Fashionista Line and are a comprehensive range of dolls with over 175 different skin tones, eye colors, hair color and texture, body shape, disability and fashion.
This line represents a variety of obstacles and appearances from the past, releasing Barbie and Ken with mobility AIDS, including wheelchairs and braces, dolls with hearing aids, hair removal and vitiligo.
This collection is described by Mattel as a comprehensive range of dolls “designed to reflect the world children see today.”
Contributor: Mary Walrath Holdridge, USA Today
Melina Kahn is a national trending reporter for USA Today. She can be contacted at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
