To help promote Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Mattel is stepping up to bring a little extra courage and comfort to kids going through tough times, donating and launching new Brave Barbies and the first-ever, Brave Ken.
The toy giant announced they’ll be donating 10,000 Brave Barbie and Brave Ken dolls each year to children who have lost their hair due to illnesses like cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Brave Barbie first arrived back in 2013 to help kids see themselves reflected in their toys during difficult journeys. Now, Mattel is introducing a new version with two skin tones, plus their very first Brave Ken doll to join the family. Both dolls come with a range of accessories, like headphones, hats, headbands, rooted wigs, and even customizable stickers, all designed to celebrate strength and beauty in every child.
“For more than a decade, Brave Barbie doll has offered children comfort in seeing themselves reflected and reassurance that they are not alone on this journey,” said Nancy Molenda, Mattel’s vice president of global corporate events and philanthropy in a recent statement.
“With their meaningful new look and expansion to a Brave Ken doll, these dolls continue to embody courage and compassion. Placing these dolls into the hands of families and seeing the light they bring during life’s hardest moments is profoundly humbling and a privilege we hold close to our hearts.”
Unfortunately, these dolls are not available in stores. Instead, Mattel is partnering with a wide range of children’s organizations to ensure that they get the dolls into the hands of kids who need them most. Among those involved are Ronald McDonald House Charities, Starlight Children’s Foundation, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, and Save the Children.
Hospitals and groups across the country, including Rady’s Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, and City of Hope Children’s Cancer Center, will also be distributing the dolls.
Photo Credit: Mattel