Comforting robotic companions donated to
pediatric cancer patients courtesy of Aflac
ROSEVILLE Calif., Nov. 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Children in Northern California now have a cuddly
companion to bring them comfort through their cancer treatment
journey. Aflac Incorporated, a leading provider of health
supplemental insurance in the U.S. donated the robotic ducks to
Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance in Roseville Thursday. The event marks nearly 200
ducks given to Keaton's in the last two years and more than 33,000
ducks distributed free of charge since the program began in
2018.
"Approximately 26 children are diagnosed with cancer each day in
the United States, including the
brave 'Child Cancer Warriors' supported by Keaton's Child Cancer
Alliance," said Ines Rodriguez
Gutzmer, Aflac senior vice president and chief
Communications officer. "These incredible children, and their
families, embody determination and resilience – and most of all, as
we saw today, their joyful spirit continues to shine. We're
thankful to the team at Keaton's for allowing us to be a part of
the great work they do each and every day. Together, we're making a
difference in the lives of the children, their families and their
communities."
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. The robotic companion was designed in consult
with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in
conjunction with Empath Labs.
A three-year study revealed that patients reported a
reduction in distress, nausea, pain and procedural anxiety compared
to those in the study who had not yet received a duck. In addition,
parents and caregivers reported a reduction in stress and anxiety,
showing how My Special Aflac Duck helps children's support
system.
The duck delivery Thursday coincided with Keaton's annual
Operation Gobble, where more than 20 families received Thanksgiving
meal kits.
"We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Aflac to
ensure that young cancer warriors and their families receive the
personalized support they need throughout their journey" said
Jessica Alonso, Executive Director
of Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance. "This generous contribution
of My Special Aflac Ducks will have a meaningful impact
on the children we serve. These comforting, interactive companions
provide emotional support and help children navigate the
complexities of treatment, bringing much-needed smiles and strength
to families during some of their most challenging moments.
Together, we are empowering those we serve to face cancer with
courage and hope."
Since its debut in 2018, My Special Aflac Duck has
received numerous awards; it was named one of Time Magazine's 50
Best Inventions and collected the Best in Show at CES and South by
Southwest, among others. The My Special Aflac Duck
program is a hallmark of Aflac's more than $184 million given toward pediatric cancer and
blood disorder treatment, as part of the company's commitment to
support 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.
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: 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
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SOURCE Aflac