New Aflac children’s book supports youngsters with SCD, cancer
'Beyond Words' shows how empathy can help youths facing health issues
As part of a program to support children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and cancers, supplemental insurance company Aflac has released a new children’s book that aims to illustrate how empathy and compassion can help people, especially children, who are facing health problems.
The book, titled “Beyond Words,” is currently available for sale online; the hardcover book is $21.99, and the softcover is $12.99. Net proceeds from the book’s sales will be used to support the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports people affected by childhood cancers and blood disorders like SCD.
Aflac launched this new book as part of its My Special Aflac Duck program, which provides a free robotic duck to comfort children, ages 3 years and older, who are undergoing treatment for cancer or SCD in the U.S., Japan, and Northern Ireland.
The program is part of Aflac’s broader philanthropic efforts through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation, which has provided nearly $200 million over the course of more than three decades to support the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
“For more than 30 years, Aflac has supported children and families during their cancer journeys, providing them with opportunities for new treatments and, ultimately, better chances of survival,” Dan Amos, chairman and CEO of Aflac, said in a company press release. “Yet, we thought we could do more by helping those surrounding the affected children who may struggle with how to provide comfort during challenging times. ‘Beyond Words’ is a beautiful expression of love and compassion.”
Book follows Buddy the bear cub and his struggles to comfort an ill friend
In the book, readers meet Buddy, a bear cub who struggles with how to comfort his friend, Bunny, who is in the hospital. Over the course of an intergalactic adventure fueled by Buddy’s imagination, readers learn along with Buddy that actions are more important than words when it comes to supporting people who face difficulties.
The book was written by Sheri Fink, a bestselling children’s author, and its storylines and illustrations were inspired by focus group discussions with children from Mathews Elementary School in Columbus, Georgia, and patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
“Aflac’s heartfelt mission to help children experiencing childhood cancer and blood disorders — and those surrounding them — through a children’s book exemplifies the company’s commitment to make a tangible difference in children’s care,” Fink said. “With ‘Beyond Words,’ I was inspired to share the many ways we can express love and friendship, even when we don’t know the perfect thing to say. Buddy reminds us that there is infinite power in kindness and compassion.”
Kellie Gerardi, a multi-mission research astronaut and mother, wrote the book’s foreword. Gerardi also voices the audio version of the book, which is available — along with free downloadable coloring sheets featuring Buddy and his friends — by scanning a QR code at the end of the book.
“I am proud to join Aflac on its mission ‘Beyond Words’ and to support such an important cause,” Gerardi said. “Whether I am spending time with my daughter or preparing to travel to space, Buddy’s reminder of the importance of showing up for the people we care most about through action, even if we don’t have the perfect words, is something I’ll continue to carry with me.”
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