ROBOTIC
MY SPECIAL AFLAC DUCK COMFORTS CANCER AND SICKLE CELL CHILDREN IN LOUISIANA
Aflac has given 50 of its My Special Aflac Ducks to children with cancer and sickle cell disease at Children ' s Hospital New Orleans . The duck delivery event occurred during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and National Sickle Cell Awareness Month – an annual effort Aflac participates in to raise awareness and funding for these two important causes .
" The My Special Aflac Duck programme has done an incredible job providing comfort to children with cancer and to kids with sickle cell disease during a time they need it the most ," said Eddie Martina II , Market Director , Aflac Louisiana . " At Aflac ' s core , we are committed to helping children and their families impacted by these diseases and are grateful to work with our partners in Louisiana to provide this resource free of charge , helping make a difference in the lives of these families ."
The award-winning , social robot uses medical play , lifelike movement and mimics emotions to engage and help comfort children during their cancer or sickle cell disease journey . It was developed after more than 18 months of research with children , families and healthcare providers to help children cope with their treatments .
Features of My Special Aflac Duck include an interactive mobile app that allows children to virtually bathe and feed their duck , customisable soundscapes that provide soothing visuals and sounds , smart sensors that enable touch and awareness of light and sounds and a calming heartbeat and breathing vibrations . To help children express themselves , the duck also comes with seven feelings emoji discs that , when tapped to a sensor on the duck ' s chest , prompt My Special Aflac Duck to emulate each emotion .
" Care plans for children with cancer or blood disorders , such as sickle cell disease , can involve frequent procedures , clinic or infusion visits , and hospitalisations , which can lead to stress and anxiety for these patients ," said Dr . Dana LeBlanc , Haematologist and Oncologist at Children ' s Hospital New Orleans ' Centre for Cancer and Blood Disorders .
" We are grateful to Aflac for not only tailoring My Special Aflac Duck to help meet the specific needs of sickle cell patients but also delivering them to our clients in South Louisiana ," said Erin Fullbright , Executive Director of Sickle Cell Association of South Louisiana . " Sickle cell patients are often forgotten and not given the same resources as other chronic diseases . Knowing our patients suffer just as much and seeing Aflac ' s support for the sickle cell community first-hand means everything . Going to the hospital for a pain crisis or even for their monthly visit can be a lot for children . Having their own duck during these tough times will be comforting for the families ." �
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