Mattel launched the #ThankYouHeroes program last year. The program created a line of first responder dolls that highlight and honor the true heroes of the pandemic: the front line workers. That program continues in their “Play it Forward” platform.
#ThankYouHeroes honors individuals who have led the fight against COVID-19. In addition, the brand expanded the line to include real everyday heroes who, according to the brand’s press release, “have kept communities up and running.” Six special dolls were made in the likeness of real women heroes fighting the pandemic for a special honor. Though the Barbie dolls will not be for purchase, each represents and memorializes their work in their communities.
The Barbie dolls represent responders from across the globe, including the United States, Brazil, the UK, Australia, and Canada.
Mattel
According to the press release, each featured hero is an “expert in their field who has shown unprecedented courage during a challenging time.” The inspiring Barbie dolls include:
- Amy O’Sullivan, RN (USA) – An ER nurse who treated the first COVID-19 patient at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. Unfortunately, she soon became ill and was intubated. After recovering a few weeks later, she quickly went back to work and continues caring for others.
- Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz (USA) – Dr. Cruz joined forces with other Asian American physicians to fight racial bias and discrimination.
- Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa (Canada) – A psychiatry resident who has advocated against systemic racism in healthcare.
- Professor Sarah Gilbert (United Kingdom) – A professor of vaccinology, she led the University of Oxford vaccine development in the UK.
- Dr. Jaqueline Goes de Jesus (Brazil) – A biomedical researcher, she sequenced the genome of a COVID-19 variant in Brazil.
- Dr. Kirby White (Australia) – A General Practitioner in Australia who co-founded the Gowns for Doctors initiative by developing a PPE gown that could be laundered and re-used.
In a world of the unexpected, we can never have too many heroes. To everyone who continues to keep our loved ones healthy and safe – thank you! Tag a healthcare worker in your life to show them some love and recognition, and to say #ThankYouHeroes #Barbie https://t.co/nsdwiGGmi9 pic.twitter.com/xmP1q2MXVR
— Barbie (@Barbie) August 5, 2021
Although these exact dolls can’t be purchased, Mattel donates $5 for each eligible Barbie doctor, nurse, and paramedic doll sold at Target to the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF). For additional details and eligible products for promotion, visit the Barbie website.
