Free-of-charge robotic companion brings joy to
16 sickle cell patients at Prisma Health Children's
Hospital-Midlands
COLUMBUS, Ga., June 28,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Three-time women's national
championship-winning University of South
Carolina Head Basketball Coach and Olympic legend
Dawn Staley joined Aflac, a leading
provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S., to deliver
16 My Special Aflac Ducks at Prisma Health Children's
Hospital-Midlands. The social robotic duck uses innovative
technology to help children prepare for medical procedures,
communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and
more.
Aflac and I are deeply committed to giving
back, particularly to children facing sickle cell
"After my first My Special Aflac Duck delivery last year,
I wore a necklace crafted by a patient, serving as a constant
reminder to maintain perspective in all situations. Aflac and I are
deeply committed to giving back, particularly to children facing
sickle cell — an often overlooked community," said Coach Staley.
"Today's event carries even greater significance, especially on the
heels of World Sickle Cell Day. While an undefeated season and
national championships are tremendous accomplishments, nothing
outweighs the special place these children hold in my heart."
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. My Special Aflac Duck was featured in
a three-year clinical study spearheaded by researchers at
Emory University and conducted at eight
hospitals across the country. The study, which focused on children
with cancer, was released in April, showed that My Special Aflac
Duck helps young patients cope with treatment-related distress
and anxiety. The robotic companion was named one of Time
Magazine's 50 Best Inventions and named Best in Show at CES and
South by Southwest in 2018.
Pediatric sickle cell patients went on a scavenger hunt through
the hospital before the children were surprised with their new,
cuddly companions to keep. The sickle cell version of My Special
Aflac Duck 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.
"As a father of four young children in the Midlands, witnessing the joy on these amazing
kids' faces when they received their My Special Aflac Duck
and watching them meet Coach Staley reminds me of how incredibly
gratifying it is to work for a company like Aflac where giving back
is ingrained in our culture," said Aflac Senior Vice President of Group Voluntary
Benefits Bob Ruff. "Special thanks
to Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands for helping us create
a memorable day for these deserving kids to enjoy."
Since My Special Aflac Duck was first introduced in 2018,
Aflac has delivered more than 30,000 ducks to children in
the United States, Japan and Northern
Ireland. In 2022, Aflac expanded the program to include
sickle cell patients, and nearly one-third of the My Special
Aflac Ducks donated 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 $182
million to childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment
and research since 1995.
"Our clinical team is dedicated to providing the best possible
medical care for children in our community, both within our walls
and beyond. Children with blood disorders like sickle cell face
unique challenges, and we aim to highlight their experiences," said
Dr. Stuart Cramer, medical director
of Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands. "We are deeply
grateful to Aflac for its commitment to supporting children with
cancer and blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease, through
the use of their interactive My Special Aflac Duck, which
brings joy and laughter during difficult times. We are also
thrilled to have Coach Staley, a long-term champion of Prisma
Health Children's Hospital-Midlands, join forces with Aflac to
continue bringing smiles to the families we serve."
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.
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 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 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune's World's Most
Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg's
Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). 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 (2023) for 10 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."
1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total
Market Report
Media contact:
Amy
Persons, apersons@aflac.com
Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813
or jsullivan@aflac.com
Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or
dyoung@aflac.com
Aflac | Aflac New York | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road
| Columbus, GA 31999
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SOURCE Aflac
