Aflac's Support: $173M for Pediatric Cancer & Blood Disorders + 28K My Special Aflac Ducks® Distributed Worldwide
For nearly three decades, Aflac has been a steadfast supporter of advancing treatments and therapies for children grappling with cancer and blood disorders like sickle cell. Recently, The Aflac Foundation Inc. demonstrated this ongoing commitment by donating $1.5 million to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Of this contribution, $1 million is designated for the center's clinical research office, while the remaining $500,000 will address crucial needs at Children's Hughes Spalding Sickle Cell Clinic, a lifeline for over 85% of patients who rely on Medicaid or lack insurance.
Kathelen Amos, President of The Aflac Foundation, emphasized the vital role of ongoing research in fostering innovation and improving outcomes for patients, both locally and globally. With a focus on comprehensive care, particularly evident in its expansive sickle cell disease program, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center caters to over 2,600 children and young adults annually. The funding will bolster support services at the Hughes Spalding clinic, ensuring access to essential resources such as psychologists, social workers, and educators, whose roles are often inadequately covered by insurance.
Renowned for its dedication to pediatric clinical trials, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center boasts access to over 380 ongoing studies, a testament to its proactive approach in pushing boundaries. Over the past nine years, the center has significantly expanded its research team and trial offerings, with a particular focus on sickle cell disease. Current investigations span diverse areas such as chronic pain management, anemia testing, opioid therapies, and stroke prevention strategies.
"The support we receive from the Aflac Foundation is not just a donation; it's a lifeline to many, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for a healthier future" said Beatrice E. Gee, MD, director of the Aflac Sickle Cell Disease Program and Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Pain program at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. Jason Payne, MD, Hughes Spalding campus director, echoed Dr. Gee's gratitude. "We are grateful for this unwavering commitment to our cause and the countless lives that together, we touch each and every day," he said.
The recent contribution from the foundation marks another milestone in Aflac's long-standing commitment to supporting pediatric cancer and blood disorders, bringing the total to over $173 million since 1995. Furthermore, the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. has distributed over 28,000 My Special Aflac Ducks® free of charge to children aged 3 and above diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell in the United States, Japan, and Northern Ireland since 2018. This award-winning robotic companion provides comfort and assistance to patients through medical play, communication, and distraction. In 2023 alone, 6,702 patients received these ducks through hospitals, support organizations, and a direct-to-family program.
To know more about Aflac's commitment to childhood cancer and blood disorders, click here.
Kathelen Amos, President of The Aflac Foundation, emphasized the vital role of ongoing research in fostering innovation and improving outcomes for patients, both locally and globally. With a focus on comprehensive care, particularly evident in its expansive sickle cell disease program, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center caters to over 2,600 children and young adults annually. The funding will bolster support services at the Hughes Spalding clinic, ensuring access to essential resources such as psychologists, social workers, and educators, whose roles are often inadequately covered by insurance.
Renowned for its dedication to pediatric clinical trials, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center boasts access to over 380 ongoing studies, a testament to its proactive approach in pushing boundaries. Over the past nine years, the center has significantly expanded its research team and trial offerings, with a particular focus on sickle cell disease. Current investigations span diverse areas such as chronic pain management, anemia testing, opioid therapies, and stroke prevention strategies.
"The support we receive from the Aflac Foundation is not just a donation; it's a lifeline to many, a beacon of hope, and a catalyst for a healthier future" said Beatrice E. Gee, MD, director of the Aflac Sickle Cell Disease Program and Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Pain program at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. Jason Payne, MD, Hughes Spalding campus director, echoed Dr. Gee's gratitude. "We are grateful for this unwavering commitment to our cause and the countless lives that together, we touch each and every day," he said.
The recent contribution from the foundation marks another milestone in Aflac's long-standing commitment to supporting pediatric cancer and blood disorders, bringing the total to over $173 million since 1995. Furthermore, the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation Inc. has distributed over 28,000 My Special Aflac Ducks® free of charge to children aged 3 and above diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell in the United States, Japan, and Northern Ireland since 2018. This award-winning robotic companion provides comfort and assistance to patients through medical play, communication, and distraction. In 2023 alone, 6,702 patients received these ducks through hospitals, support organizations, and a direct-to-family program.
To know more about Aflac's commitment to childhood cancer and blood disorders, click here.
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