COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leader
in supplemental insurance sales at U.S. worksites, will commemorate
National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September with a
full slate of actions and activities designed to raise awareness
and help provide comfort for those impacted by childhood cancer.
The monthlong tribute includes multiple activations as well as
special grants to enhance programs nationwide that provide comfort
and support to pediatric cancer patients and their siblings.
"When Aflac began its commitment to childhood cancer research
and treatment in 1995 by establishing the Aflac Cancer and Blood
Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, we knew that we, as a company, needed
to help children and families going through this terrible
challenge," Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan
Amos said. "What we didn't know is the profound impact it
would have on our company, our employees and our independent sales
agents who contribute more than $6
million from their commission checks each year. It has been
an inspirational and true calling for the entire Aflac family."
"National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a special time at
Aflac, as it gives us an opportunity to pause and contemplate how
far we have come in supporting children and families impacted by
cancer. At the same time, we are reminded that continued support of
research and discovery is critical to the defeat of these
diseases," said The Aflac Foundation, Inc. President
Kathelen Amos. "Aflac's culture and
mission is to help people during their greatest times of need, so
we will continue to raise awareness, comfort families and
contribute valuable resources for the treatment and research of
childhood cancer until the day comes where every child has a full
lifetime."
Among the September activities, The Aflac Childhood Cancer
Foundation, Inc. will award five $2,000 grants to child life programs at hospitals
across the country that treat children with cancer. Hospitals will
use the funding for initiatives such as developing an isolation
playroom and pediatric oncology family support programs, offering
yoga for patients and families, and developing support programs
designed for siblings of patients who have passed away. The
Foundation plans to make these annual grants, allowing for five
different recipients each year.
Other initiatives scheduled for National Childhood Cancer
Awareness Month and beyond include:
- Sept. 18, 2019: Aflac will
deliver its innovative My Special Aflac Duck® to
patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia during a special duck delivery
event. My Special Aflac Duck, designed by Sproutel, is a
social robot that uses medical play, lifelike movement, and
emotions to engage and help comfort kids during their cancer care.
Aflac has delivered more than 5,000 My Special Aflac Ducks
since its introduction last October. To date, more than 220
hospitals in 47 states across the country have received My
Special Aflac Ducks from Aflac for their pediatric cancer
patients, completely free of charge.
- Sept. 23, 2019: Aflac will
release its annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report,
available at Aflac.com/CSRReport. The report highlights how Aflac
employees and partners drive positive impact in their communities.
It also honors specific CSR heroes around the country, including
Lindsay Carrick, a child life
specialist at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Carrick is a real-life hero whose relentless dedication to her
patients provides a greater sense of control in their lives and
comfort and joy during their cancer treatment.
- Sept. 25, 2019: Aflac and
Chispa House, a documentary film
crew from Athens, Georgia, will
hold the worldwide premiere of the powerful new film "Moments of
Joy" at The Atlantic Festival in Washington, D.C. The film provides a glimpse
into the emotional challenges and celebrated moments along the
pediatric cancer journey through the eyes and words of children,
families and caregivers. Follow @AtlanticLIVE on social media for
more information as the premiere event approaches.
- Through the end of October, Aflac and Macy's are
introducing a new, limited-edition plush Childhood Cancer Awareness
Duck, which honors the medical professionals who support these
courageous children. Sold exclusively on macys.com/Aflac and at
participating Macy's stores, the 6-inch plush duck sells for
$10, with 100% of net proceeds going
to The Aflac Foundation, Inc. to benefit pediatric cancer programs
at participating hospitals around the country. The newest plush
wears green scrubs and a scrubs hat in honor of the health care
teams who provide care, comfort and hope to pediatric cancer
patients daily. When given a squeeze, the duck quacks "Aflaaac!"
Shoppers can also get involved by purchasing new, limited-edition
gear from AflacChildhoodCancer.org, including a Sherpa blanket,
socks, caps and bags, with net proceeds going to support The Aflac
Foundation, Inc.
"Aflac's $3 million per year
investment in My Special Aflac Duck, as well as our ongoing
contributions to childhood cancer initiatives at the Aflac Cancer
Center, signify the authenticity of our commitment to being a
socially responsible company that cares about the community and
individuals," Aflac Senior Vice
President and Chief Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and
Communications Officer Catherine
Hernandez-Blades said. "We are excited to demonstrate our
dedication to this important national concern through grants, a
special duck delivery, honoring our own heroes and premiering an
incredibly emotional film that showcases the impact we can all have
on such a significant cause."
To learn more about these programs and Aflac's commitment to
pediatric cancer research and treatment, visit
AflacChildhoodCancer.org.
About Aflac Incorporated
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:
AFL) is a Fortune 500 company helping provide protection to more
than 50 million people through its subsidiaries in Japan and the U.S., where it is a leading
supplemental insurer, by paying cash fast when policyholders get
sick or injured. For more than six decades, insurance policies of
Aflac Incorporated's subsidiaries have given policyholders the
opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. Aflac Life
Insurance Japan is the leading provider of medical and cancer
insurance in Japan, where it
insures 1 in 4 households. Through its trailblazing One Day
PaySM initiative in the United
States, for eligible claims, Aflac can process, approve and
electronically send funds to claimants for quick access to cash in
just one business day. For 13 consecutive years, Aflac has been
recognized by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical
Companies. In 2018, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the
100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the 20th consecutive
year, and in 2019, Fortune included Aflac on its list of World's
Most Admired Companies for the 18th time. To find out more about
One Day PaySM and learn how to get help with expenses
health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com.
Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of
Columbus and American Family Life
Assurance Company of New York.
WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus,
GA 31999.
Media contact: Jon
Sullivan, 706.573.7610 or jsullivan@aflac.com
Analyst and investor contact: David
A. Young, 706.596.3264 or dyoung@aflac.com
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SOURCE Aflac