Dawn Staley Continues Partnership With Aflac With An Act Of Philanthropy

Aflac and Dawn Staley partnered up with Empath Labs to create something special for pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients.

If you have yet to notice, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has been everywhere, appearing at WNBA games, South Carolina softball games, guest staring on podcasts, and even assisting Columbia fans with finding their lost dog. 

The REUNION! Lily Mae is back with her rightful owners! Thank you @chloe1kitts @HollywoodRaven and Facebook!! Our @GamecockWBB family grew for just a few hours 🥰🥰😋 pic.twitter.com/6y9Da1lcA9

— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) May 28, 2023

While racking up frequent flyer miles due to her busy schedule, Coach Staley made time for some heartwarming philanthropic work. Continuing her partnership with Aflac, Dawn's List, that began during NCAA® March Madness®, "Aflac Duck vs. Gap Goat" campaign, she teamed up with the University of Virginia's Children's Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. Aflac and Staley partnered with Empath Labs to create five My Special Aflac Duck, a social robot that has life-like movements and yields social-emotional support to pediatric cancer and sickle cell patients above the age of three.

Aflac president Virgil Miller and Virginia women's basketball coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton also participated in Aflac's 28th annual $168-plus million philanthropic commitment to support children battling cancer and blood disorders. According to PR Newswire, the My Special Aflac Duck includes an interactive mobile app that allows children to virtually bathe and feed their duck, customizable soundscapes that provide soothing visuals and sounds, smart sensors that enable touch and awareness of light and sounds, and a calming heartbeat and breathing vibrations. To help children express themselves, the duck comes with seven feelings emoji discs that, when tapped to a sensor on the duck's chest, prompt My Special Aflac Duck to emulate each emotion.

"The past year working with Aflac confirmed for me that caring on purpose is in Aflac's DNA, and I am honored to continue working with the organization to help close the gaps on and off the court," Coach Staley said. "Aflac and I have a shared passion for giving back to our communities, particularly when it comes to cancer, sickle cell, and children. It was great to be back in Charlottesville to deliver My Special Aflac Duck and bring joy to these patients."

Dawn's List also continues to address the equity issues in women's college sports. Going forward, an effort will be made to bring awareness to coach and player achievements and revamp amenities that will create opportunities to help athletes and coaches further establish themselves and role models.

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