COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Aflac, the leading provider of supplemental health insurance products in the U.S.1 and proud supporter of families of children with cancer and blood disorders like sickle cell disease (SCD), today delivered its award-winning My Special Aflac Duck to children at The University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital in Albuquerque. The duck delivery coincides with National Childhood Cancer Awareness and Sickle Cell Awareness Month, helping to bring attention to the challenges that children and families face when confronted with pediatric cancer or sickle cell disease.
The social robot uses medical play, lifelike movement and mimics emotions to engage and help comfort kids during their cancer or sickle cell disease journey. It was developed after more than 18 months of research with children, families and health care providers to help children cope with their treatments, particularly from an emotional perspective.