Aflac 2012 Annual Report Download - page 24

NEVER DUCKING OUR PROMISE
From boating excursions to dreams of sleigh-riding,
the Aflac Duck found himself on familiar and exciting
adventures in 2012, while also venturing into uncharted
territories. Since his introduction on New Year’s Eve
1999, the Aflac Duck has led one of the most successful
advertising campaigns ever. This adventurous chief
spokesduck has appeared in 57 commercials that have
helped catapult Aflac into becoming a household name
where 94% of Americans recognize the Aflac brand.
OUR PROMISE TO DELIVER SUPPORT
FOR KIDS FIGHTING CANCER
The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta is a national leader among childhood
cancer, hematology, and blood and marrow transplant
programs, serving infants through young adults. The team
at the Aflac Cancer Center is committed to providing a
brighter future for children fighting cancer by continuing to
deliver advanced medical treatment, family-centered care,
a child-friendly environment and innovative research.
Recognized as one of the top childhood cancer centers in
the country, the Aflac Cancer Center treats more than 370
new cancer patients each year and cares for more than
2,500 children with sickle cell disease, hemophilia, and
other blood disorders. The Aflac Cancer Center is made
up of three hospital campuses with nationally renowned
physicians and researchers, in addition to a world-class
family support team consisting of child life specialists,
social workers, chaplains, and teachers – all of whom
support the whole child and the child’s family.
Recently, the Aflac Cancer Center was selected to be a
member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Phase I
and Pilot Consortium. The Aflac Cancer Center is one of
21 centers nationwide and one of three in the Southeast
to receive this prestigious designation. This designation
will allow the Aflac Cancer Center access to the most
innovative treatment options as they are developed for
children as well as make the facility a referral center
for patients who might otherwise not have access to
Phase I trials.
Since 1995, the combined Aflac family has given more than
$78 million to the Aflac Cancer Center. Our relationship
with the Aflac Cancer Center has drawn in every level of
the Aflac family from our sales force to our employees,
officers, and board of directors. The common goal of
fighting childhood cancer has transformed our culture and
brought us together as a team.
Dr.WilliamG.Woods meets with EiichiIshii, head of the selection
committee department of pediatrics, School of Medicine, Ehime University;
president, The Japanese Society of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology
and AtsushiManabe, Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke’s International
Hospital; board member, The Japanese Society of Pediatric Hematology/
Oncology, as part of the TOMODACHI Initiative to tour the Aflac Cancer
Center facilities. The TOMODACHI Initiative is a joint enterprise led by
the United States Government and the U.S.-Japan Council. The initiative
invests in the next generation of Japanese and Americans in ways that
strengthen relationships between the United States and Japan over
the long-term. Beginning in June 2013, Japan-based pediatric cancer
specialists will come to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center
of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to observe and share best practices
related to the care and treatment of children with cancer. The pediatric
specialist program will lay the foundation for broader understanding of research and treatment protocols for childhood
cancer, and enhance communication and cooperation between U.S. and Japan cancer specialists.
TheAacCancerandBloodDisordersCenter
provides a nurturing environment of hope
for children and young adults battling cancer
and blood disorders, as well as their families.
Pictured, Dr.WilliamG.Woods, director of the
Aflac Cancer Center visits with NajahWillis-Tay,
Ky’MijiaThomas and William Argo. These three
courageous patients reflect only a few of the
thousands who count on the expert care and
compassionate staff at the Aflac Cancer Center.
22 AFLAC INCORPORATED 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW