Legendary Coach Dawn Staley Helps Give Sickle Cell Patients a Voice With My Special Aflac Duck(R)

Rhea-AI Summary

Aflac, in collaboration with legendary Coach Dawn Staley, delivered My Special Aflac Duck to 16 pediatric sickle cell patients at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands. This cuddly, robotic companion helps children communicate feelings, prepare for medical procedures, and practice distraction techniques. The sickle cell version features a special cape mimicking a blanket, addressing patients' sensitivity to temperature changes.

Since 2018, Aflac has distributed over 31,000 ducks to children in the US, Japan, and Northern Ireland, with nearly one-third given to sickle cell patients. Aflac's commitment to pediatric cancer and blood disorders has led to contributions exceeding $184 million since 1995. Healthcare providers can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for eligible children at MySpecialAflacDuck.com.

Positive

• Aflac has distributed over 31,000 My Special Aflac Ducks to children with cancer and sickle cell disease
• Aflac and its stakeholders have contributed more than $184 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment and research since 1995
• My Special Aflac Duck is provided free of charge to eligible children, potentially reducing healthcare costs for families

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 11, 2024 / Aflac Incorporated
Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When your view of the world is through the lens of a disease that can often cause pain and require more frequent doctor visits, finding comfort is imperative. That is a reality for the approximately 100,000 Americans impacted by sickle cell disease,¹ including more than 4,000 in South Carolina alone.²

That's why, in July, three-time women's national championship-winning University of South Carolina Head Basketball Coach and Olympic legendary Coach Dawn Staley joined Aflac to deliver a dose of comfort by giving 16 pediatric sickle cell patients at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands their very own My Special Aflac Duck®. This cuddly, robotic companion is designed to give children a voice by helping them communicate their feelings, prepare for medical procedures, practice distraction techniques and more.

Pediatric sickle cell patients went on a scavenger hunt through the hospital before the children were surprised with their new, cuddly companions to keep, delivered by Staley. The sickle cell version of My Special AflacDuck has a special cape designed to mimic a blanket, reflecting sickle cell patients who are often sensitive to changes in temperature. The cape doubles as art therapy to delight children serving as a water-activated, color-changing canvas.

The duck was designed in consult with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in partnership with Empath Labs and uses medical play and lifelike movement to help children cope with their treatments. In 2022, Aflac expanded its My Special Aflac Duck program to serve pediatric patients with sickle cell with research-based updates like unique accessories designed to help reinforce care routines.

Since My Special Aflac Duck was first introduced in 2018, Aflac has delivered more than 31,000 ducks to children in the United States, Japan and Northern Ireland - nearly one-third of those have been given to children diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Aflac's commitment to pediatric cancer and blood disorders spans decades with Aflac employees, independent agents and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. contributing more than $184 million to childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment and research since 1995.

Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at MySpecialAflacDuck.com.

¹ CDC - Fact Sheet: Sickle Cell Disease - https://www.cdc.gov/sickle-cell/media/fact-sheets/basic-information/what-you-should-know-about-scd.pdf. Accessed Sept. 5, 2024.

² Prisma Health. Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program - Midlands. https://prismahealthchildrens.org/programs-and-services/hospital-services/comprehensive-sickle-cell-disease-program/sickle-cell-program-midlands. Accessed Sept. 5, 2024.

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SOURCE: Aflac Incorporated

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the My Special Aflac Duck program for sickle cell patients?

The My Special Aflac Duck program for sickle cell patients is an initiative by Aflac that provides a robotic companion duck to help children cope with their treatments. The duck is designed to assist in communicating feelings, preparing for medical procedures, and practicing distraction techniques.

How many My Special Aflac Ducks has Aflac delivered to children with sickle cell disease?

While the exact number for sickle cell patients isn't specified, Aflac has delivered over 31,000 ducks in total, with nearly one-third given to children diagnosed with sickle cell disease. This suggests approximately 10,000 ducks have been provided to sickle cell patients.

How can healthcare providers order a My Special Aflac Duck for eligible patients?

Healthcare providers can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at MySpecialAflacDuck.com.

What is unique about the sickle cell version of My Special Aflac Duck?

The sickle cell version of My Special Aflac Duck features a special cape designed to mimic a blanket, reflecting sickle cell patients' sensitivity to temperature changes. The cape also doubles as a water-activated, color-changing canvas for art therapy.