Raving Toy Maniac

NAAF Welcomes Barbie's Bald Friend

SAN RAFAEL, CA – April 9, 2012 – The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) applauds Mattel's news that it will unveil a doll for children experiencing hair loss. The as yet unnamed doll is a bald friend of the iconic Barbie, and is expected to come with wigs, scarves, hats and other accessories.

The doll will not be available in stores. However, NAAF is scheduled to receive a quantity of the new doll upon release expected in late 2012 or early 2013, as well as a cash donation from Mattel to pay for shipping and administrative costs involved with shipping to children afflicted with alopecia areata. "We are very proud Mattel has selected us to carry this special doll, which will make so many children happy," said NAAF President Vicki Kalabokes.

Alopecia (AL-OH-PEE-SHA) areata (AIR-EE-AH-TAH) is the most common autoimmune disease that may result in total or partial loss of scalp and body hair. Affecting over 5 million Americans, and 117 million people worldwide, alopecia areata currently has no cure, and no treatment that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It occurs in both sexes and all races and ages, but young people are affected most often. Alopecia areata usually starts with one or more small, round patches on the scalp. In some people, the disease can affect hair on the scalp until all of it is lost (alopecia totalis), or over the entire body, including the eyebrows and eyelashes (alopecia universalis).

NAAF, headquartered in San Rafael, CA, fundraises for research to find a cure or acceptable treatment for alopecia areata, supports those with the disease, and educates the public about alopecia areata. NAAF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and has a prestigious Scientific Advisory Council. Founded in 1981, NAAF is widely regarded as the largest, most influential, and most representative foundation associated with alopecia areata.

To learn more about alopecia areata, visit the NAAF website at http://www.naaf.org.