Helping children with cancer and blood disorders is at the heart of the Aflac mission.

My Special Aflac Duck^® goes to camp

Campers received extra smiles at the Sunrise Day Camp – Chicago this summer. Aflac and the Sunrise Association delivered My Special Aflac Ducks^® to 50 children and families facing childhood cancer at the camp held at the JCC Chicago Lake County Campus in Lake Zurich, Illinois. For nearly two years, Aflac has come together with Sunrise Association — whose mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings in the U.S. and abroad — to make My Special Aflac Duck available to Sunrise campers across the country.

Special edition plush Aflac duck

A new plush Aflac duck has joined the flock! The Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Duck is a loveable, 6-inch plush collectible featuring a backpack with yellow and burgundy ribbons, as well as a special bandana with a heart, symbolizing the love and care for children with cancer and blood disorders. And with each purchase, 100% of net proceeds will go to The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, Inc., to support hospitals, organizations and programs that benefit children with cancer and blood disorders and their families.

My Special Aflac Duck makes new friends in Japan

With over 24,000 My Special Aflac Ducks delivered free of charge in the U.S., Northern Ireland and Japan to date, it’s no surprise to see one in the hands of a pediatric cancer or sickle cell patient. But in April, the cuddly companion was a special guest at the General Meeting of the Japan Medical Association. Held every four years, this meeting brings together Japanese physicians, medical experts, researchers, students and the general public. As part of an exhibit, Aflac Japan Division Manager Yuichi Kase held a hands-on session where children could interact and play with My Special Aflac Duck and create beautiful artwork for display.

Supporting emotional needs of patients and families

Earlier this year, The Aflac Foundation Inc. donated $1.5 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, continuing its commitment to helping provide children with cancer and blood disorders comfort and tools that help them cope with mental and emotional stresses of diagnosis and treatment. Earmarked for family support services, this donation will help fund the center’s 35-person Family Support Team, which includes social workers, child life specialists, non-denominational chaplains and music therapists who work in tandem with medical staff to provide therapeutic activities, positive distractions and social support for both patients and families.

NFL Hall of Famer puts smiles on faces

NFL Hall of Fame receiver Calvin "Megatron" Johnson stopped by the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to visit with patients and, alongside Aflac U.S. President Virgil Miller, delivered My Special Aflac Ducks® to those who are dealing with cancer and sickle cell disease. The former Georgia Tech star was in town to help kick off Aflac's Kickoff for a Cause game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.