Heads Up Arizona: Bald Girls Do Lunch Brings Support

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Mar 21, 2011, 08:54 ET

SCARBOROUGH, N.Y., March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thea Chassin, founder of Bald Girls Do Lunch® and renowned advocate for women with alopecia areata hosts two uplifting support lunches in Phoenix (March 26) and Tucson (March 27). The autoimmune disease for which there is no cure, causes hair loss, often total – including eyebrows and eyelashes –and lifelong challenges to feel feminine and not be mistaken for a chemotherapy patient.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110321/NY68400 )

In cities across the country, Chassin meets women who suffer daily, trying to keep their condition a secret. According to Chassin insecurity and even shame are common. "Friends and family mean well, but it's a relief to talk to someone in the same situation and get tips on living beautifully," she notes. "Our nationwide network builds resilience and resources." Nearly two percent of people in the U.S. have a lifetime risk to develop a form of the condition that ranges from intermittent patches of hair loss to total lack of all body hair.

Joining Chassin, will be Candace Hoffmann, author of Breaking the Silence on Women's Hair Loss. "When I was writing my book, the most heartbreaking interviews were those I did with young women with alopecia areata. Thea's work is important and inspirational. I am anxious to finally meet her and these beautiful, brave women next Saturday."

The event cost is a $35 donation, which includes the meal at Red Rim Bistro in the Phoenix Airport Marriott, 1101 N. 44th St., Phoenix, or at El Charro Cafe, 311 N. Court Ave., in downtown Tucson. Advance registration is required at www.BaldGirlsDoLunch.org Email [email protected] or call 800.578.5332.

"Our Bald Girl lunches are the antidote to feeling alone with alopecia areata," says Chassin. Her dynamic leadership, easygoing style and medical knowledge make an enriching blend of insights and practical advice no matter how long someone has had the condition. Women attend with wigs or head coverings and some choose to debut their bald look. The organization promotes choice and options.

"Bald is in our catchy name, but we are inclusive and encourage all style choices." Chassin will be demonstrating the BGDL brow makeup and creative headscarf tying. "The camaraderie is infectious," says Chassin. "We cover everything from new 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."

Chassin founded Bald Girls Do Lunch Inc, a nonprofit 501c (3), in New York in 2007 when she determined that women's needs were not adequately met in mixed alopecia groups including men and children. A passionate and articulate role model, Chassin was featured in the 2009 Today Show segment "Bald Girls Do Lunch – Bald is Beautiful". The organization has won three Gold Triangle Awards from the American Academy of Dermatology.