For the first time in the history of the Brave Barbie program, Ken will appear as a bald doll designed to support children experiencing hair loss.
Mattel announced the expansion as part of its ongoing effort to provide encouragement and representation for children living with cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The program’s newest release includes two versions of Brave Barbie, along with the debut of Brave Ken. Each doll comes with a wig and additional accessories such as a hat, headphones, a headband, and a sticker pack. The dolls are not sold at retail but instead are distributed directly to children through nonprofit partners.
Since its creation in 2013, the Brave Barbie initiative has focused on children who lose their hair during treatment. Over the past decade, more than 120,000 dolls have been given away worldwide through the program. Mattel confirmed that an additional 10,000 dolls will be distributed this fall as part of the latest rollout.
According to Mattel, the new line coincides with September’s observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The dolls will be delivered through organizations such as CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, as well as treatment facilities that partner with the company.
Families may also request a doll directly by contacting mattelchildrensfoundation@mattel.com.
By adding Brave Ken to the lineup, Mattel has expanded the program’s reach and reinforced its mission to provide comfort during difficult times.
