AFL AFLAC Inc

COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the number one provider of supplemental insurance in the United States, kicked off its "Friends of a Feather" campaign today, the same day that marks the start of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Aflac's "Friends of a Feather" effort spotlights pediatric patients and their support networks as they integrate the emotional and physical components of battling the illness. "Friends of a Feather" highlights three different ways to join Aflac's 16-year fight against childhood cancer.  

First, Aflac today debuted its limited-edition 2011 Childhood Cancer Awareness "fuzzy" Aflac Duck that displays the symbol for childhood cancer – a gold ribbon – on its chest, and when squeezed, quacks his signature "Aflaac!" Throughout the month of September, those wishing to show their support may purchase this special plush duck for $10 on aflac.com/friends. For each special "fuzzy" Aflac Duck purchased, Aflac will donate the proceeds from that sale, plus an additional $20, to the Aflac Cancer Center, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top childhood cancer centers in the United States. Cutting-edge research from the Aflac Cancer Center is shared with other cancer centers throughout the United States, benefiting young cancer patients and their families across the country.

In addition to purchasing the special 2011 Childhood Cancer Awareness "fuzzy" Aflac Duck, Aflac's "Friends of a Feather" campaign encourages people around the world to show their support for childhood cancer patients by:

• Signing up as a member of the "Friends of a Feather" Facebook cause.  Aflac will donate an additional $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for every new member who joins before October 6, 2011.
• Making a donation through aflac.com/friends. Aflac will donate $2 to the Aflac Cancer Center for every dollar donated.

Kathelen Amos, president of the Aflac Foundation, commented on Aflac's efforts by saying: "Aflac has long stood for supplemental benefits to help families at times of medical crisis.  The Aflac Duck, for the last 12 years, has symbolized our mission. For the last 16 years, the Aflac Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has been the flagship of our national philanthropic commitment to fighting childhood cancer and blood disorders. The National Childhood Cancer plush Aflac Duck represents the two defining elements of our company: helping our policyholders when they need us most, and advancing the treatment of and fight against childhood cancer. At a time when private, individual funding is more important than ever, we are pleased to present a program that encourages people to get involved and help find a cure for pediatric cancer."

William G. Woods, M.D., Director of the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, added: "Around each young cancer patient is an army of unsung heroes – from child life specialists and doctors, to neighbors, to Aflac agents who donate from their commissions to our cause – that form each patient's unique 'Friends of a Feather' network. When combined with cutting-edge medical care, a show of support – whether financial or emotional – is critical to a young patient's recovery."

In 1995, Aflac focused its national philanthropic efforts on the treatment and cure of childhood cancer with a multimillion dollar donation the Aflac Cancer Center. Since then, the company has raised more than $65 million to help advance the cause. Aflac is stepping up its commitment in 2011 by pledging up to $2 million in proceeds, contributions and matching donations and is utilizing a portion of its advertising budget to generate additional awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer.  

ABOUT THE AFLAC CANCER CENTER

The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta has one of the largest childhood cancer programs in the country, treating more than 370 new pediatric cancer cases per year and following approximately 2,500 cancer patients annually. As part of its $65 million dollar donation, Aflac guarantees 10 positions for social workers, chaplains, schoolteachers and child life specialists supporting pediatric cancer.   The company has also funded cutting-edge research and the cancer survivor program, which focuses solely on post-therapy issues of young cancer survivors, benefiting young cancer patients across the country.

To purchase a plush Aflac Duck or learn more details, please visit: www.aflac.com/friends.

ABOUT AFLAC

When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than 55 years, Aflac insurance policies have helped provide a safety net and given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance. In Japan, Aflac is the number one life insurance company in terms of individual policies in force. Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For five consecutive years, Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies and by Forbes magazine as one of America's Best-Managed Companies in the Insurance category. In 2011, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the 13th consecutive year. Also, Fortune magazine included Aflac on its list of Most Admired Companies for the 10th time in 2011. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com or aflacenespanol.com.

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SOURCE Aflac