Horizon Day Camp in Fairfax, Virginia, hosted a heartwarming event, gifting 75 robotic pet ducks to children with cancer and their siblings. These adorable companions, donated by Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility, are part of a global initiative to provide comfort and reduce anxiety during cancer treatments.
The ducks, aptly named "My Special Aflac Duck," are specially designed for pediatric cancer patients and come equipped with realistic features like life-like movements, a chemotherapy port, medical tools, and even a heartbeat. Each duck can express seven different emotions, making them perfect companions for children facing challenging medical journeys.
Horizon Day Camp, located at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, provides a safe and fun environment for children with cancer and their siblings. The camp offers a space for children to connect with others who understand their experiences and provides a much-needed break from the stress of treatment. The surprise arrival of the robotic ducks brought smiles and excitement to the campers, particularly Isadora Tilias, a 3-year-old brain tumor survivor who was thrilled with her new furry friend.
"I think this is going to be extremely helpful going to doctors' appointments, especially for kids who are actively in treatment," said Anne Marie Tilias, Isadora's mother. The cuddly ducks provide comfort and smiles to get the kids through even the toughest days, offering a sense of normalcy and companionship during challenging times.
"He also comes with a mute button, I like to tell parents that," said Buffy Swinehart, Senior Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility at Aflac, with a smile. This highlights the thoughtful design of the ducks, catering to the needs of both children and their families.
The "My Special Aflac Duck" program has already distributed over 31,000 ducks globally, demonstrating its impact on children battling cancer worldwide. If you would like to request a free "My Special Aflac Duck" for a child in your life, you can fill out a request form here: [link to request form].