Aflac expands support for children with new book 'Beyond Words'

Rhea-AI Summary

Aflac (NYSE:AFL) on November 17, 2025 released a children's book titled Beyond Words to help kids express empathy for friends facing health challenges. The book, written by Sheri Fink with a foreword and audio narration by research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, follows Buddy the bear as he learns that actions can matter more than words.

The hardcover is priced at $21.99 and the softcover at $12.99; 100% of net proceeds will benefit the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation. The project ties to Aflac's existing care programs, including My Special Aflac Duck (given free to >40,000 children since 2018) and nearly $200 million in support for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center over 30+ years.

Positive

• 100% of net proceeds directed to Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation
• My Special Aflac Duck provided to more than 40,000 children since 2018
• Nearly $200 million in support for Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center

Negative

• None.

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Designed to help children express empathy for those with health challenges, "Beyond Words" represents Aflac's newest expression of care with 100% of net proceeds benefiting the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation

COLUMBUS, Ga., Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In collaboration with bestselling children's book Author Sheri Fink and Research Astronaut Kellie Gerardi, Aflac Incorporated released today a new children's book highlighting the power of empathy, kindness and compassion for loved ones, especially children, facing health challenges.

Award-winning author Fink introduces readers to Buddy, a bear cub who struggles to find the right words to comfort his friend, Bunny, who is in the hospital. As Buddy's imagination takes flight, readers follow his intergalactic space adventures with new friends who help him understand that sometimes it's not what you say, but what you do — beyond words — that matters most when someone is in need.

"Beyond Words" is an extension of Aflac's longtime culture of care, inspired by My Special Aflac Duck^®, a robotic duck given free of charge to provide comfort to more than 40,000 children (ages 3 and up) with cancer and sickle cell disease across the U.S., Japan and Northern Ireland since 2018. The My Special Aflac Duck program is part of Aflac's philanthropic efforts through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation and a 30-plus year commitment to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, with nearly $200 million in support.

"For more than 30 years, Aflac has supported children and families during their cancer journeys, providing them with opportunities for new treatments and, ultimately, better chances of survival," said Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos. "Yet, we thought we could do more by helping those surrounding the affected children who may struggle with how to provide comfort during challenging times. 'Beyond Words' is a beautiful expression of love and compassion."

To write "Beyond Words," Fink drew on her experience as a No. 1 bestselling author of more than 15 children's books and her mission to inspire, delight and educate children. Through her work, Fink often gives back by visiting schools to speak to students about kindness and overcoming adversity — and reading her books to patients at children's hospitals. 

"Aflac's heartfelt mission to help children experiencing childhood cancer and blood disorders — and those surrounding them — through a children's book exemplifies the company's commitment to make a tangible difference in children's care," said Fink. "With 'Beyond Words,' I was inspired to share the many ways we can express love and friendship, even when we don't know the perfect thing to say. Buddy reminds us that there is infinite power in kindness and compassion."

To illuminate the theme of "Beyond Words," full of space adventures and interplanetary travel, Aflac asked Kellie Gerardi, a multi-mission research astronaut and mother, to provide the book foreword and be the voice of the audio version of "Beyond Words." The audio version and free downloadable coloring sheets featuring Buddy and a few of his special friends are available by scanning the QR code on the last page of the book. 

"I am proud to join Aflac on its mission 'Beyond Words' and to support such an important cause," said Gerardi. "Whether I am spending time with my daughter or preparing to travel to space, Buddy's reminder of the importance of showing up for the people we care most about through action, even if we don't have the perfect words, is something I'll continue to carry with me." 

The "Beyond Words" story was enriched by the imaginations of children from Mathews Elementary School in Columbus, Georgia, and patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, who participated in focus groups to help shape the storylines and illustrations. Mary Webb, a childhood cancer survivor and former patient at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, provided the illustration for the "Why This Book Matters" page.

Visit Aflac.com/BeyondWords for purchase options, including Archway Publishing, from Simon & Schuster, and Amazon.com. The hard cover book is $21.99, and soft cover is $12.99, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting childhood cancer and blood disorders research and treatment through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.³ In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 19 consecutive years (2025) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 24 years (2025). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/español. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability." 

Media contacts: Stephanie Wilken, 706.905.5818 or swilken@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or dyoung@aflac.com

¹ LIMRA 2024 US Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report

Aflac's family of insurers include American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

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SOURCE Aflac

FAQ

When did Aflac (AFL) release the children's book Beyond Words?

Aflac released Beyond Words on November 17, 2025.

How much of Beyond Words sales does Aflac (AFL) donate to childhood cancer?

Aflac donates 100% of net proceeds from Beyond Words to the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.

How much does Beyond Words cost and where can investors buy it (AFL)?

The hardcover is $21.99 and the softcover is $12.99; purchase options include Aflac.com/BeyondWords, Archway (Simon & Schuster), and Amazon.

What connection does Beyond Words have to Aflac's existing pediatric programs (AFL)?

Beyond Words extends Aflac's care programs tied to My Special Aflac Duck and the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.

How many children have received My Special Aflac Duck and since when (AFL)?

My Special Aflac Duck has been provided free to more than 40,000 children since 2018.

How much has Aflac supported the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center historically (AFL)?

Aflac has contributed nearly $200 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center over 30+ years.