Approximately 2% of the US population have alopecia areata, which equates to over six million people. Yet, there are few advocates, which is what led to Thea Chassin founding Bald Girls Do Lunch. “Alopecia areata is more than a cosmetic condition—it’s an unpredictable autoimmune medical condition with profound negative impacts on emotional, social and mental health,” says Thea.
Because women are more frequently diagnosed than men, and a woman’s identity is more closely tied to her hair, women need someone to support them, walk with them on this journey and advocate for them with decision-makers and pharmaceutical companies.
Thea and Bald Girls Do Lunch have filled that gap for women since 2007, becoming the first non-profit support organization devoting all its resources to the emotional and practical needs of women with alopecia areata.
At BGDL, we not only want to connect you to other women but connect the public to this important issue.
Alopecia Areata Advocacy and Self-Care
- Hair Loss in Women Means Getting Through Grief
- Gaining Comfort with Your Alopecia Means Talking About It
- Tips for Talking About Alopecia Simply and Accurately
Public Awareness
As you can tell from the name, Bald Girls Do Lunch started in a social setting and through a social support network. Though we had to put in-person events and lunches on hold during the pandemic, they started up again in the spring of 2023. Please join our email list to find out about upcoming events.
“Women with alopecia need the support of people without alopecia to correct the public’s misunderstandings. We’re not sick. We just can’t grow hair.”
Thea Chasson, BGDL Founder
“Bald Girls Do Lunch is bringing grass roots, woman-to-woman awareness and support to the plight of women with alopecia areata. Thea Chassin is single-handedly leading the charge to bring a larger awareness to the condition and challenge the science community to seriously work on finding a cure. She is helping give women a voice and fellowship as she travels the nation with a simple idea, ‘Hey, let’s do lunch.’ Bravo!“