Campaign calls for 'bald' Barbie for young cancer survivors

Melbourne, Jan 8 (ANI): A campaign that has taken roots on Facebook and other social networking sites has put tremendous pressure on toy company Mattel to create a bald Barbie for young cancer survivors.

The campaign is gaining momentum and has support from Queensland's major cancer groups.

The idea stemmed from the suffering of a four-year-old Ruby Kidd, who is a cancer survivor and does not have lustrous, flowing locks like Barbie.

The campaign is calling for a bald Barbie wearing a headscarf or headband for kids undergoing chemotherapy.

According to Ruby's mum, Tracey Kidd, bald Barbie was a lovely idea and could help young girls who lose their hair.

"There's so much emphasis, especially on little girls, on their hair and how they (cancer kids) look," the Courier Mail quoted Tracey as saying.

"It's important for them to feel good, especially in hospital."

Last year, Mattel had come up with a one-off Barbie with no hair for four-year-old US cancer patient Genesis Reyes. But it was sparked by a request from a friend of the Mattel chief executive's wife.

It has now impelled calls from Hollywood stars, such as Charlie Sheen's ex-wife Denise Richards, for the Barbie to be mass produced.

Supporters have also discarded the idea that girls could simply chop off Barbie's hair, as it leaves her with unwanted tufts.

Cancer Council Queensland psychologist Samantha Clutton asserted that children were sensitive to the desire to fit in with peers. The doll could help them feel more beautiful.

"A hairless Barbie would highlight that bald is beautiful," acting director Kathryn Huntley said. (ANI)