Alopecia Expert Puts Bald Heads Together in Texas

SCARBOROUGH, N.Y., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Thea Chassin, president of Bald Girls Do Lunch®, a non-profit organization will host a luncheon for women with the auto-immune disease alopecia areata at the River City Grille in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport Marriott South at 11:45 AM on Sunday, October 17, 2010.  Alopecia areata, for which there is no cure, causes hair loss, often total – including eyebrows and eyelashes.

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In cities across the country, Chassin meets women who struggle to keep their condition a secret, which she says is emotionally debilitating. "Friends and family mean well, but it's a relief to talk to someone in the same situation and get tips on living beautifully. Our network builds resilience and resources. Our quick facts bring reassurance."

The cost is a $40 donation to the cause, which includes the meal. The River City Grille is located at 4151 Centrepoint Boulevard, Ft. Worth. Advance registration is required and online rsvp is accepted. Attendees are 16 and over. Visit www.baldgirlsdolunch.org, email [email protected] or call 800.578.5332.

The Bald Girl lunches are nothing like a traditional support group. Chassin brings dynamic leadership and frank talk to the table along with valuable personal insights and practical advice. Women come to the lunches adorned with wigs or head coverings and some choose to debut their bald look. The organization promotes choice and options.

"The camaraderie is infectious," says Chassin.  "We cover everything from wig technology, cosmetic eyebrows and dating-while-bald, to coming out to colleagues and dealing with the common, but wrong assumption, that every hairless woman must have cancer."

It's estimated that 2% of Americans have a lifetime risk for alopecia areata which has no cure. While mild cases resolve on their own, loss of all body hair and unpredictable recurrences create special challenges.    

Chassin founded Bald Girls Do Lunch Inc, a nonprofit 501c (3), in New York in 2007.

A passionate and articulate role model for women, Chassin is interviewed by major media. She was featured in the July, 2009 Today Show segment "Bald Girls Do Lunch – The Bald and the Beautiful". The organization has won three Gold Triangle Awards from the American Academy of Dermatology.

To donate, volunteer or learn more visit www.baldgirlsdolunch.org.

SOURCE Bald Girls Do Lunch