Today, several young patients being treated for sickle cell disease at Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper received a cuddly new companion specially designed to help them through their medical journey. A duck delivery and unboxing event celebrated the new collaboration between Cooper and Aflac to provide a My Special Aflac Duck free of charge to all pediatric sickle cell patients ages 3 and older who are undergoing treatment.
My Special Aflac Duck is a social robot that offers a sense of comfort, joy, and control to children undergoing cancer treatment and children living with sickle cell disease. In consultation with more than 100 children, families, and medical professionals, Aflac, along with Sproutel, a patient-centered research and development company in Providence, Rhode Island, debuted My Special Aflac Duck in 2018 as part of its 26-year, $159-plus million commitment to childhood cancer and blood disorders, including sickle cell disease. Since then, Aflac has donated and distributed more than 15,000 My Special Aflac Ducks to more than 300 hospitals and disease-focused organizations.
In early 2022, Aflac introduced a new-generation My Special Aflac Duck with features and play accessories designed specifically for sickle cell patients. In 2018, My Special Aflac Duck was named one of the Best 50 Inventions of the Year by Time magazine, received the People’s Choice Award at SXSW, and Best in Show at CES.
“Every year, nearly 200 children receive care through Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper’s sickle cell program. We know that doctor visits and hospitalizations can be overwhelming for these children,” said Michael H. Goodman, MD, MMM, FAAP, FAES, Chair and Chief of Pediatrics at Cooper, and Professor of Pediatrics at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. “These specially designed interactive ducks will be calming companions and enhance the overall experience of our young patients.”
“On behalf of The Cooper Foundation, we commend Aflac for their commitment to children’s health by making My Special Aflac Duck available to young sickle cell patients free of charge. The benefits of Aflac’s corporate generosity to our patients and their families will be immeasurable,” said Robert Ortiz, JD, Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer of The Cooper Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cooper University Health Care.
“Sickle cell is an underfunded, often painful disease that affects 100,000 Americans, including one in 365 Black children born every year. We are pleased to work with Children’s Regional Hospital and The Cooper Foundation to ensure that children facing sickle cell disease receive their very own My Special Aflac Duck, which, through medical play, helps deliver comfort to children and their families during difficult times,” said Aflac Southern New Jersey Regional Sales Coordinator Michael DeSarno.
Four-year-old Tristan Cruz unboxes a My Special Aflac Duck beside his mother and grandmother.
Cooper residents and representatives from Aflac celebrate with four-year-old Tristan Cruz and his family.
Eva Dey gives her My Special Aflac Duck a check up.
Representatives of The Cooper Foundation and Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper with sickle cell patient Eva Dey.