Aflac expands support for children with new book 'Beyond Words'
MWN-AI** Summary
Aflac Incorporated has launched a new children's book titled "Beyond Words," aimed at fostering empathy and compassion among children dealing with health challenges. This initiative, in collaboration with bestselling author Sheri Fink and research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, illustrates the importance of understanding and supporting loved ones during difficult times. The story follows Buddy, a bear cub who learns to communicate supportively with his friend Bunny, who is hospitalized, emphasizing that actions often speak louder than words.
"Beyond Words" is a further extension of Aflac's philanthropic commitment, particularly through its longstanding My Special Aflac Duck program, which has provided comfort to more than 40,000 children with cancer and sickle cell disease since 2018. Aflac's Chairman and CEO, Dan Amos, highlighted the company's 30-year dedication to supporting children and families during cancer treatment journeys, stating that this book helps children provide comfort when they feel inadequate or helpless.
The book's narrative is supported by contributions from children at Mathews Elementary School and patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, who helped shape its story and illustrations. The foreword of the book is written by Gerardi, who also narrates the audio version. Both hardcover and softcover editions are available, with 100% of net proceeds benefitting the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Aflac continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility and has been recognized as one of the most ethical companies globally. This new literary project aims to inspire empathy and collective support for children facing health adversities, reinforcing the power of kindness and compassion.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Aflac's recent initiative, launching the children's book "Beyond Words," signals a strategic move that enhances its brand identity while solidifying its commitment to corporate social responsibility. The release, which supports the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation with all net proceeds, adds a new dimension to the company's existing philanthropic efforts, notably the My Special Aflac Duck program. This alignment with social causes is increasingly important for investors who prioritize sustainable and ethical business practices, providing a potential opportunity for growth in Aflac's valuation.
From an investment perspective, Aflac (NYSE: AFL) continues to demonstrate effective brand messaging focused on empathy and support for children facing health challenges. The company's longstanding reputation as a leader in supplemental health insurance and its presence in the children's healthcare market can reinforce investor confidence, especially when considering the resilience and increasing demand for healthcare-related services.
Moreover, the collaboration with notable figures like author Sheri Fink and astronaut Kellie Gerardi not only garners media attention but also enhances Aflac's visibility among targeted demographics, particularly families and healthcare professionals. This could further drive sales of the book as well as policy uptake within Aflac's existing product lines, appealing to socially conscious consumers.
As we look ahead, investors should monitor Aflac’s ability to generate engagement through these initiatives and translate enhanced brand loyalty into tangible financial performance. Given the growing trend toward corporate philanthropy, Aflac's proactive approach may well position it favorably in the eyes of both current and potential investors, making it prudent to consider Aflac stock as part of a diversified portfolio focused on companies with strong ethical commitments and community engagement.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
Designed to help children express empathy for those with health challenges, "Beyond Words" represents Aflac's newest expression of care with 100% of net proceeds benefiting the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation
COLUMBUS, Ga., Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In collaboration with bestselling children's book Author Sheri Fink and Research Astronaut Kellie Gerardi, Aflac Incorporated released today a new children's book highlighting the power of empathy, kindness and compassion for loved ones, especially children, facing health challenges.
Award-winning author Fink introduces readers to Buddy, a bear cub who struggles to find the right words to comfort his friend, Bunny, who is in the hospital. As Buddy's imagination takes flight, readers follow his intergalactic space adventures with new friends who help him understand that sometimes it's not what you say, but what you do — beyond words — that matters most when someone is in need.
"Beyond Words" is an extension of Aflac's longtime culture of care, inspired by My Special Aflac Duck®, a robotic duck given free of charge to provide comfort to more than 40,000 children (ages 3 and up) with cancer and sickle cell disease across the U.S., Japan and Northern Ireland since 2018. The My Special Aflac Duck program is part of Aflac's philanthropic efforts through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation and a 30-plus year commitment to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, with nearly $200 million in support.
"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," said Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos. "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."
To write "Beyond Words," Fink drew on her experience as a No. 1 bestselling author of more than 15 children's books and her mission to inspire, delight and educate children. Through her work, Fink often gives back by visiting schools to speak to students about kindness and overcoming adversity — and reading her books to patients at children's hospitals.
"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," said Fink. "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."
To illuminate the theme of "Beyond Words," full of space adventures and interplanetary travel, Aflac asked Kellie Gerardi, a multi-mission research astronaut and mother, to provide the book foreword and be the voice of the audio version of "Beyond Words." The audio version and free downloadable coloring sheets featuring Buddy and a few of his special friends are available by scanning the QR code on the last page of the book.
"I am proud to join Aflac on its mission 'Beyond Words' and to support such an important cause," said Gerardi. "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."
The "Beyond Words" story was enriched by the imaginations of children from Mathews Elementary School in Columbus, Georgia, and patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, who participated in focus groups to help shape the storylines and illustrations. Mary Webb, a childhood cancer survivor and former patient at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, provided the illustration for the "Why This Book Matters" page.
Visit Aflac.com/BeyondWords for purchase options, including Archway Publishing, from Simon & Schuster, and Amazon.com. The hard cover book is $21.99, and soft cover is $12.99, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting childhood cancer and blood disorders research and treatment through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.
ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan. In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products.3?In Japan, Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 19 consecutive years (2025) and Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 24 years (2025). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2024) for 11 years.?To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at?aflac.com?or?aflac.com/español. Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at?investors.aflac.com?under "Sustainability."
Media contacts: Stephanie Wilken, 706.905.5818 or swilken@aflac.com
Analyst and investor contact: David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or dyoung@aflac.com
1 LIMRA 2024 US Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report
Aflac's family of insurers include American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Aflac | WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
SOURCE Aflac
FAQ**
How does Aflac's initiative with the book "Beyond Words," which supports children with health challenges, align with the company's overall corporate social responsibility strategy compared to Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI's community engagement efforts?
In what ways could the release of "Beyond Words" impact Aflac's brand perception and market position, particularly when compared to similar philanthropic endeavors by Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI?
What measurable outcomes does Aflac expect from the sales of "Beyond Words," and how might those compare to the social impact metrics used by Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI in their philanthropic projects?
How does Aflac plan to leverage the success of "Beyond Words" to enhance its engagement with stakeholders and investors, similar to the strategies employed by Douglas Emmett Inc. DEI to communicate their social initiatives?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about AFLAC Incorporated (NYSE: AFL).
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