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.

When living with a condition that often brings pain and necessitates frequent medical visits, finding comfort becomes essential. This is the reality for approximately 100,000 Americans affected by sickle cell disease, including over 4,000 in South Carolina alone.
 
In July, University of South Carolina's celebrated Head Basketball Coach, Dawn Staley, partnered with Aflac to offer comfort to 16 pediatric sickle cell patients at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands by gifting them their very own My Special Aflac Duck®. This robotic companion helps children express their emotions, get ready for medical procedures, practice distraction techniques, and more.
 
Before receiving their new companions from Coach Staley, the children participated in a scavenger hunt through the hospital. The sickle cell version of My Special Aflac Duck features a special cape, resembling a blanket, to reflect the sensitivity sickle cell patients often have to temperature changes. The cape also serves as art therapy, transforming into a color-changing canvas when activated by water.
 
Designed in collaboration with over 100 children, families, and healthcare professionals, this duck uses medical play and lifelike movements to support children during their treatments. In 2022, Aflac enhanced the program to include specific accessories that assist pediatric sickle cell patients with their care routines.
 
Since the program's launch in 2018, Aflac has distributed over 31,000 My Special Aflac Ducks to children in the U.S., Japan, and Northern Ireland, with nearly a third going to those diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Aflac’s dedication to supporting pediatric cancer and blood disorders has spanned decades, with more than $184 million contributed to treatment and research since 1995 by Aflac employees, independent agents, and The Aflac Foundation, Inc.
 
Healthcare providers, support organizations, and families can request a free My Special Aflac Duck for children aged 3 and older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease by click here.