Pediatric patients at University Health
receive robotic companions, along with a day packed with festive
activities, creating moments of joy and warmth.
COLUMBUS, Ga., Nov. 17,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, a leading provider of
supplemental health insurance products in the U.S. and a steadfast
supporter of families dealing with pediatric cancer and blood
disorders, delivered its acclaimed My Special Aflac Duck to
children at University Hospital in San
Antonio. This event marks a significant moment in Aflac's
ongoing commitment to bringing comfort and joy to young patients on
their journeys.
The My Special Aflac Duck, an innovative robotic
companion, utilizes medical play, realistic motions and emotional
emulation to interact with and provide comfort to children
undergoing treatment. Created in collaboration with over 100
children, families and health care professionals over 18 months,
this animatronic duck serves as a crucial tool to help children
manage the emotional aspects of their treatments. To date, more
than 25,000 My Special Aflac Ducks have been delivered to
children with cancer and sickle cell disease completely free of
charge.
"At Aflac, our purpose is deeply rooted in being there for our
policyholders during life's most trying moments. My Special
Aflac Duck stands as a tangible symbol of that dedication,"
said Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer, senior
vice president, Communications. Aflac Incorporated. "Witnessing the
authentic smiles of children as they embrace a new companion on
their journey fills our hearts, and we are thrilled to deliver this
award-winning resource to the children at University Health who are
navigating the path of pediatric cancer or blood disorders like
sickle cell disease."
Children at University Health participated in a My Special
Aflac Duck demonstration and engaged in challenges before
receiving their very own robotic companion. The patients and their
families were invited to stay for the duck reveal party, enjoying
various activities such as creating birth certificates and beaded
necklaces for their ducks, coloring and more.
"University Health and our partners at UT Health San Antonio are
committed to improving outcomes for children facing cancer and
sickle cell disease. Our efforts include not just comprehensive
medical care but therapeutic activities and emotional support,"
said Irene Sandate, chief nursing
officer, University Health Women's and Children's Hospital. "Our
team of child life specialists help children and their families
understand and cope with challenging health care events. Specially
adapted toys like My Special Aflac Duck provide a comforting
presence and a way for children to understand and respond to their
treatments."
My Special Aflac Duck includes an interactive mobile
app for virtual care, customizable soundscapes for soothing visuals
and sounds, smart sensors for touch and awareness, a calming
heartbeat, and breathing vibrations. Named Best in Show at CES in
Las Vegas and featured on Time
Magazine's list of Best Inventions, the duck has garnered acclaim
for its innovative approach to pediatric care.
Health care providers, support organizations and families can
order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children ages
3 and older who are diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at
https://myduck.sproutel.com/family/request.
ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:
AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial
protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years 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.1 In Japan,
Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and
medical insurance policies in force. The company takes pride in
being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well
as being included in 2023 in the World's Most Ethical Companies by
Ethisphere for 17 consecutive years, Fortune's World's Most Admired
Companies for 22 years and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for
the fourth consecutive year. 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 (2022) for nine 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/espanol. Investors may learn more about
Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social
responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under
"Sustainability."
ABOUT UNIVERSITY HEALTH
University Health is the
only locally owned health system in San
Antonio. For more than 100 years, University Health has been
here to heal, improve health, train the next generation of medical
professionals and ensure the people of San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas have access to primary and
advanced specialty care close to home. Specialized services include
the region's only Level I trauma center for both adults and
children, and maternal and neonatal intensive care centers
designated at the highest levels by the State of Texas. As the region's only academic
health system, University Health is a hub of innovation and
discovery, committed to delivering patient-centered, culturally
competent, high-quality and compassionate care, based on a strong
foundation of outcomes‐based research and innovative teaching.
Learn more at UniversityHealth.com.
1 LIMRA 2022 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total
Market Report
Media contact for Aflac: Jon
Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com
Media contact for University Health:
Shelley Kofler, 512-294-5224 or
shelley.kofler@uhtx.com
Analyst and investor contact for Aflac: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667
or dyoung@aflac.com
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SOURCE Aflac
