Time Magazine named this one of the 50 Best Inventions of the Year
Aflac NI partners with CCUC to launch groundbreaking initiative that brings My Special Aflac Duck to local children with cancerPublished 1 hour ago
In a pioneering initiative for Northern Ireland, Aflac Northern Ireland is partnering with the Children’s Cancer Unit to provide its award-winning My Special Aflac Duck to every child in the region undergoing cancer treatment to help them with their care.
Named one of the world’s greatest inventions of all time by TIME magazine, featuring lifelike movements and emotions and an augmented reality app, the My Special Aflac Duck uses medical play to help children better manage the stress associated with cancer .
Since 2018, Aflac, in partnership with more than 350 participating hospitals and cancer-related organizations, has distributed more than 12,000 robotic ducks to patients in the US and Japan.
Designed and created by Sprotel, the robot uses naturalistic movements, quack, nuzzling and calming play. The Bluetooth-enabled duck has a range of groundbreaking features, including emoji cards that can be pressed to its chest and trigger a response that mimics how the child feels.
It has an accompanying app that enables further medical play to help children deal with often scary and uncomfortable cancer treatments. The removable plush exterior is machine washable, making it easy for parents to maintain.
Aflac Northern Ireland Managing Director Keith Farley said:
“As a growing member of Northern Ireland’s business ecosystem, we feel a strong need to engage with the community and demonstrate our commitment to the families where we live and work.
“By introducing My Special Aflac Duck and helping our partnership with the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity bring comfort to children and families living with childhood cancer in Northern Ireland, we welcome the warm welcome we have received since opening our technology center in Belfast. are confident that this partnership will make a real difference in the lives of local children who have been diagnosed with cancer.”
Community Play specialist, Naomi Spence, at The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity added:
“Without support, our charity would not exist to continue our vital work, and we deeply appreciate the significant contribution and dedication Aflac Northern Ireland is making at this time. We are especially excited for those children who will benefit from the joy and friendship that My Special Aflac Duck will bring into their lives during their treatment and care.
“This is a groundbreaking partnership, bringing new innovation and practical help and support to our children, families and staff, and I look forward to expanding the rollout in the coming weeks, months and years to help children with cancer in North -Ireland can and quickly reap the real benefits of this important partnership.”
For more information about My Special Aflac Duck in Northern Ireland, visit aflacni.com
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