Aflac Launches Campaign for Bridge to Brighter

Stock.adobe.com

Aflac is launching a new campaign promoting an initiative aimed at improving the resources available for children with cancer and blood disorders.¹ The program is named Bridge to Brighter, and it has been part of Aflac’s philanthropic portfolio since the mid ‘90s. The program raises money which is then used to promote cancer and blood disorder treatment centers, research, and medical programs.

In a press release, Aflac senior vice president Ines Gutzmer said, “As new treatments and ongoing research continues to provide better outcomes for many children and families facing pediatric cancer and blood disorders, it is essential that momentum be maintained and improved upon. The Bridge to Brighter program is designed to do just that, by ensuring that the families, the caregivers, and friends surrounding the patients know how to comfort and support those affected. Because when one child is diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease, the impact is felt not only by the child and the family, but by friends and the overall community."

This is just one of Aflac’s charitable programs. The company also just announced that patients at the Children’s Hospital in Montefiore would receive My Special Aflac Ducks.² The device is a robot designed to look like a stuffed duck, but is capable of providing information about medical procedures, provide distractions, and give children a place to communicate their feelings.

In a press release, Gutzmer said, “The happiness and delight that the children experience says it all. September is Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and today, in our first-ever delivery in New York, we saw more than 40 pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients get a cuddly new friend who will help them in treatment and beyond. Their excitement and our ability to help these kids and their families, is what drives Aflac's philanthropic mission. We're thankful to the Children's Hospital at Montefiore and to Sunrise Association for making this very special duck delivery possible."

In the same press release, Meghan D. Kelly, MSEd, CCLS, director at the Phoebe H. Stein Child Life Program, CHAM, added, “We are very grateful to Aflac and Sunrise Association for delivering ducks to our patients at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore. Dealing with illness can be stressful for children and families, so it is always wonderful when partners visit our hospital and help us to brighten their day."

Sunrise Association chief development officer Beth Fetner also said, “Sunrise Association is thrilled to once again partner with Aflac in bringing the My Special Aflac Duck to the children at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnerships in delivering joy and comfort to children facing challenges. Aflac's commitment to easing the journey for these young patients aligns perfectly with our mission to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer. Together, we are creating moments of happiness and hope for these brave children and their families."

Sources

1. Aflac Makes New Resources Available to Support Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders. Aflac. September 18, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aflac-makes-new-resources-available-to-support-children-with-cancer-and-blood-disorders-302250555.html
2. My Special Aflac Duck 'Boroughs' Into a New Home: Children's Hospital at Montefiore in The Bronx. Aflac. September 17, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/my-special-aflac-duck-r-boroughs-into-a-new-home-children-s-hospital-at-montefiore-in-the-bronx-895870172.html