Aflac expands support for children with new book 'Beyond Words'

Core Insights - Aflac has launched a new children's book titled "Beyond Words," aimed at helping children express empathy for those facing health challenges, with all net proceeds benefiting the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation [1][5] Company Initiatives - The book features a character named Buddy, a bear cub who learns the importance of actions over words while comforting a friend in the hospital [2] - "Beyond Words" builds on Aflac's existing initiatives, such as the My Special Aflac Duck program, which has provided comfort to over 40,000 children with cancer and sickle cell disease since 2018 [3] - Aflac has committed nearly $200 million to support the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta over the past 30 years [3][6] Author and Collaboration - The book is authored by Sheri Fink, a bestselling children's author, who aims to inspire kindness and compassion through her storytelling [4] - Research astronaut Kellie Gerardi contributed to the project by writing the foreword and voicing the audio version of the book [4] Community Involvement - The story was influenced by children from Mathews Elementary School and patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, who participated in focus groups to shape the narrative [4] Sales and Impact - The hardcover version of "Beyond Words" is priced at $21.99, and the softcover at $12.99, with 100% of net proceeds directed towards childhood cancer and blood disorders research and treatment [5]