LAKE ZURICH, IL - Aflac, in partnership with the Sunrise Association, delivered My Special Aflac Ducks® to 50 children and families facing childhood cancer at Sunrise Day Camp–Chicago. My Special Aflac Duck, an award-winning social robot, aims to provide comfort and joy to children with cancer and sickle cell disease. This initiative reflects Aflac's 28-year commitment to supporting children with cancer, including contributions of over $168 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
"Aflac's My Special Aflac Duck program will help children navigate the challenges of cancer, and that is a gift everyone at Aflac takes pride in delivering," said Aflac U.S. President Virgil R. Miller.
The Sunrise Association's mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings in the U.S. and abroad. Since 2022, Aflac has made My Special Aflac Ducks available to Sunrise campers across the United States.
As part of their commitment, Aflac will sponsor 10 children to attend the Sunrise Day Camp with a generous $60,000 contribution. The Sunrise Association's camps are provided free of charge to families, ensuring children can experience the joys of camp without financial burdens.
"My Special Aflac Duck program aligns perfectly with our mission to bring joy to these children through our camp experiences," said Sunrise Association's President and CEO Arnie Preminger.
The My Special Aflac Duck is equipped with interactive features, including a mobile app for virtual care, customizable soundscapes, smart sensors, and emotional response capabilities.
Since 2018, Aflac has distributed nearly 24,000 My Special Aflac Ducks to children in the United States, Japan, and Northern Ireland, each costing the company approximately $200.
Healthcare providers and families with children aged three years or older diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease can order My Special Aflac Ducks free of charge at https://aflacchildhoodcancer.org.
Aflac and the Sunrise Association's collaborative efforts create a brighter future for children battling cancer, spreading joy and comfort during their challenging journey.
