My Special Aflac Duck® lands in the Sacramento Valley

Rhea-AI Summary

Aflac donated robotic companion ducks to Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance in Roseville, marking nearly 200 ducks given to the organization in two years. The My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot designed to help children during cancer treatment, has been distributed to over 33,000 recipients since 2018. A three-year study showed the duck helps reduce distress, nausea, pain, and procedural anxiety in patients, while also decreasing stress in caregivers. The program is part of Aflac's $184 million commitment to pediatric cancer and blood disorder treatment. The robotic companions are available free of charge to children 3 years or older diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease.

Positive

• Three-year study demonstrates proven medical benefits in reducing patient distress and anxiety
• Program has successfully distributed over 33,000 ducks since 2018
• Part of substantial $184 million commitment to pediatric cancer treatment

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The My Special Aflac Duck program represents a meaningful but financially modest corporate social responsibility initiative. While the program has distributed $184 million in total support since inception, this represents a small portion of Aflac's overall operations. The robotic duck program, while innovative and impactful for pediatric patients, has minimal material impact on Aflac's financial performance or stock value.

The three-year study showing reduced distress and anxiety in patients demonstrates positive outcomes, but from an investment perspective, this initiative primarily serves to enhance brand reputation and corporate goodwill rather than drive significant revenue or earnings growth. The program's expansion to Northern California and continued distribution milestones (33,000 ducks since 2018) indicate steady execution of Aflac's CSR strategy without material financial implications.

Comforting robotic companions donated to pediatric cancer patients courtesy of Aflac

ROSEVILLE Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Children in Northern California now have a cuddly companion to bring them comfort through their cancer treatment journey. Aflac Incorporated, a leading provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S. donated the robotic ducks to Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance in Roseville Thursday. The event marks nearly 200 ducks given to Keaton's in the last two years and more than 33,000 ducks distributed free of charge since the program began in 2018.

"Approximately 26 children are diagnosed with cancer each day in the United States, including the brave 'Child Cancer Warriors' supported by Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance," said Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer, Aflac senior vice president and chief Communications officer. "These incredible children, and their families, embody determination and resilience – and most of all, as we saw today, their joyful spirit continues to shine. We're thankful to the team at Keaton's for allowing us to be a part of the great work they do each and every day. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of the children, their families and their communities."

My Special Aflac Duck is a social robot powered by innovative technology that helps kids prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and more. The robotic companion was designed in consult with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in conjunction with Empath Labs.  

A three-year study revealed that patients reported a reduction in distress, nausea, pain and procedural anxiety compared to those in the study who had not yet received a duck. In addition, parents and caregivers reported a reduction in stress and anxiety, showing how My Special Aflac Duck helps children's support system.

The duck delivery Thursday coincided with Keaton's annual Operation Gobble, where more than 20 families received Thanksgiving meal kits.

"We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Aflac to ensure that young cancer warriors and their families receive the personalized support they need throughout their journey" said Jessica Alonso, Executive Director of Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance. "This generous contribution of My Special Aflac Ducks will have a meaningful impact on the children we serve. These comforting, interactive companions provide emotional support and help children navigate the complexities of treatment, bringing much-needed smiles and strength to families during some of their most challenging moments. Together, we are empowering those we serve to face cancer with courage and hope."

Since its debut in 2018, My Special Aflac Duck has received numerous awards; it was named one of Time Magazine's 50 Best Inventions and collected the Best in Show at CES and South by Southwest, among others.  The My Special Aflac Duck program is a hallmark of Aflac's more than $184 million given toward pediatric cancer and blood disorder treatment, as part of the company's commitment to support the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Health care providers, support organizations and families can order My Special Aflac Duck free of charge for children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease at MySpecialAflacDuck.com.

ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for more than 68 years to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.¹ In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under "Sustainability."

¹ LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report 

Media contact: Jon Sullivan, 706-763-4813 or jsullivan@aflac.com

Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706-596-3264, 800-235-2667 or dyoung@aflac.com

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SOURCE Aflac

FAQ

How many My Special Aflac Ducks have been distributed since 2018?

Over 33,000 My Special Aflac Ducks have been distributed free of charge since the program began in 2018.

What medical benefits does the My Special Aflac Duck provide to cancer patients?

According to a three-year study, the duck helps reduce distress, nausea, pain, and procedural anxiety in patients, while also decreasing stress and anxiety in parents and caregivers.

How much has Aflac (AFL) invested in pediatric cancer and blood disorder treatment?

Aflac has contributed more than $184 million toward pediatric cancer and blood disorder treatment through the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Who is eligible to receive a free My Special Aflac Duck?

Children 3 years or older who have been diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease are eligible to receive a My Special Aflac Duck free of charge.