My Special Aflac Duck: Comfort & Support for Kids with Cancer & Sickle Cell
Pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease present both visible and hidden struggles, which is why Aflac has been committed to supporting children and families facing these challenges for over 30 years.
One unique way Aflac provides comfort is through My Special Aflac Duck®, a specially designed companion for young patients with cancer or sickle cell disease. More than just a plush toy, this interactive duck helps children communicate their emotions with loved ones, healthcare providers, and caregivers.
“Receiving a diagnosis of cancer or sickle cell disease, undergoing treatment, and navigating life afterward can be overwhelming—especially for children who may struggle to express their feelings,” said Buffy Swinehart, Senior Manager of Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility. “We introduced My Special Aflac Duck in 2018 to help children feel less alone, and since then, we’ve distributed over 35,000 ducks to provide comfort to young patients and their families. Research confirms that My Special Aflac Duck reduces anxiety associated with treatment—not just for children but also for their parents and caregivers.”
Along with the duck, families gain access to a variety of resources designed to educate, soothe, and bring joy throughout treatment. These include guides on how to use My Special Aflac Duck and its accompanying app, meditation and communication tools, printable activities that encourage mindfulness and empowerment, and interactive guides that demonstrate the duck’s uses in different environments. Additional support materials, including FAQs, are also available.
This therapeutic companion is provided free of charge to children ages three and older who have cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell disease. My Special Aflac Duck is just one part of Aflac’s broader commitment, which includes nearly $190 million in donations to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Click here to know more about Aflac’s commitment to supporting children with cancer.
One unique way Aflac provides comfort is through My Special Aflac Duck®, a specially designed companion for young patients with cancer or sickle cell disease. More than just a plush toy, this interactive duck helps children communicate their emotions with loved ones, healthcare providers, and caregivers.
“Receiving a diagnosis of cancer or sickle cell disease, undergoing treatment, and navigating life afterward can be overwhelming—especially for children who may struggle to express their feelings,” said Buffy Swinehart, Senior Manager of Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility. “We introduced My Special Aflac Duck in 2018 to help children feel less alone, and since then, we’ve distributed over 35,000 ducks to provide comfort to young patients and their families. Research confirms that My Special Aflac Duck reduces anxiety associated with treatment—not just for children but also for their parents and caregivers.”
Along with the duck, families gain access to a variety of resources designed to educate, soothe, and bring joy throughout treatment. These include guides on how to use My Special Aflac Duck and its accompanying app, meditation and communication tools, printable activities that encourage mindfulness and empowerment, and interactive guides that demonstrate the duck’s uses in different environments. Additional support materials, including FAQs, are also available.
This therapeutic companion is provided free of charge to children ages three and older who have cancer or blood disorders like sickle cell disease. My Special Aflac Duck is just one part of Aflac’s broader commitment, which includes nearly $190 million in donations to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Click here to know more about Aflac’s commitment to supporting children with cancer.
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