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Daily CSR
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Supporting Children with Cancer and Sickle Cell: Aflac’s 2025 Awareness Campaign



10/08/2025


Supporting Children with Cancer and Sickle Cell: Aflac’s 2025 Awareness Campaign
In recognition of Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September, we connected with Georgia teenager Charlaye, who faces the daily challenges of living with sickle cell disease, along with her family. They emphasized that raising awareness can have a meaningful impact.

“Understanding illnesses that aren’t always visible, like sickle cell disease, is crucial because you never know what someone else might be going through,” Charlaye shared.

Supporting young patients like Charlaye aligns with Aflac’s philanthropic mission to fund research and treatment for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. Over the past three decades, Aflac has contributed more than $191 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, home to the nation’s largest pediatric sickle cell program.

Since its founding in 1955, Aflac has operated with a focus on assisting people in times of need. As a pioneer in the U.S. cancer insurance market, the company has intentionally connected its business operations with community giving, particularly through its primary philanthropic focus: childhood cancer and blood disorders.

“Everyone, in one way or another, has been affected by cancer or blood disorders,” explained Buffy Swinehart, senior manager of Aflac’s Corporate Responsibility program. “We also recognized that pediatric cancer and blood disorders remain significantly underfunded.”

To further support this mission, Aflac has distributed over 40,000 My Special Aflac Ducks since the program’s inception in 2018. These soft, robotic companions are provided free to children aged 3 and older diagnosed with pediatric cancer or sickle cell disease. Designed to reduce stress and anxiety, the ducks help children prepare for medical procedures, express emotions, and practice coping strategies through engaging technology.

Charlaye’s journey, along with the dedication of healthcare professionals treating and researching pediatric cancer and blood disorders, was highlighted in a video featured on Aflac.com/BridgeToBrighter and aired on television stations nationwide as part of Aflac’s 2025 September campaign, honoring children and families facing these challenges.

Click here to know more about Aflac’s work.