My Special Aflac Duck(R) Lands in the Big Apple

Rhea-AI Summary

In September, My Special Aflac Duck® visited New York City, bringing joy to pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein. Aflac partnered with Sunrise Day Camp to provide fun activities for children and families. My Special Aflac Duck is a social robot that helps kids prepare for medical procedures and communicate their feelings.

A recent study showed reduced distress, nausea, pain, and anxiety in children who received the duck. Since 2018, Aflac has distributed over 32,000 ducks free of charge to patients aged 3 and up. This program is part of Aflac's $184 million contribution to pediatric cancer and blood disorder research and programs. Health care providers and families can order the duck for free at MySpecialAflacDuck.com.

Positive

• Aflac has distributed over 32,000 My Special Aflac Ducks free of charge since 2018
• A study showed reduced distress, nausea, pain, and anxiety in children who received My Special Aflac Duck
• Aflac has contributed $184 million to pediatric cancer and blood disorder research and programs

Negative

• None.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 18, 2024 / In September - honoring Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month - My Special Aflac Duck^® found its way to New York City, delivering smiles to pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein in the Bronx.

In partnership with Sunrise Day Camp, Aflac also gave these children and their families a day of fun activities, including arts and crafts - where they created beaded bracelets and birth certificates for their new cuddly companions - coloring pages, and of course, duck-themed snacks.

My Special Aflac Duck is a social robot powered by innovative technology that helps kids prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and more. A recent three-year study revealed that both parents and caregivers reported a reduction in distress, nausea, pain and treatment - and procedural anxiety - for their children who received My Special Aflac Duck, compared to those in the study who had not yet received a duck.

Since the first duck delivery in 2018, Aflac has placed more than 32,000 My Special Aflac Ducks in the hands of pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients ages 3 and up free of charge, providing comfort and joy during their treatment journeys. The My Special Aflac Duck program is a hallmark of Aflac's more than $184 million given toward pediatric cancer and blood disorder research and programs, including support of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

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.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Aflac Incorporated on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Aflac Incorporated
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/aflac-incorporated
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Aflac Incorporated

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is My Special Aflac Duck and how does it help children with cancer or sickle cell disease?

My Special Aflac Duck is a social robot that helps children with cancer or sickle cell disease prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, and practice distraction techniques. It has been shown to reduce distress, nausea, pain, and treatment-related anxiety in children who use it.

How many My Special Aflac Ducks has Aflac (AFL) distributed since 2018?

Since 2018, Aflac (AFL) has distributed over 32,000 My Special Aflac Ducks free of charge to pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients ages 3 and up.

How much has Aflac (AFL) contributed to pediatric cancer and blood disorder research and programs?

Aflac (AFL) has contributed more than $184 million toward pediatric cancer and blood disorder research and programs, including support of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

How can families or healthcare providers order a My Special Aflac Duck for a child with cancer or sickle cell disease?

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.