Special Aflac Duck® Puts Love and Care in the hands of Children at Riley Hospital

Aflac delivered 40 My Special Aflac Ducks to pediatric cancer and blood disorder patients at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis on Tuesday, aiming to bring comfort and joy during treatment. The My Special Aflac Duck includes RFID emoji cards to support communication and medical play, plus an app with activities; patients also participated in a hospital scavenger hunt. Designed with input from more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in partnership with Empath Labs, the companion features lifelike movement and interactive tools. A three-year clinical study completed in 2024 across eight U.S. hospitals with 160 patients reported reductions in treatment-related distress and anxiety, and positive feedback from parents and caregivers. Aflac and Riley Children’s Foundation highlighted more than 100 years of support.