Who can receive a duck? Is it for new diagnosis only?
Any child diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder is eligible to receive a duck at any time.
My Special Aflac Duck is designed to help children and families on their medical journey. Whether at diagnosis or during infusions and hospital visits, My Special Aflac Duck includes interactions and techniques to help at each step.
What happens if an accessory is lost, broken, or not responding?
We send free replacement accessories.
If an accessory is not responding, ensure that the duck is turned “On” and that the batteries do not need to be replaced.
For replacement accessories, email support@empathlabs.com or call 833-777-6885.
How big are the boxes the ducks ship in?
Ducks are shipped individually or in case packs:
- Duck box: 14” L x 7” W x 12” H
- Cancer duck case pack 4ct: 23.25” L x 16.5” W x 15” H
- Sickle cell duck case pack 3ct: 23.25” L x 16.5” W x 15” H
Does the family need to have Aflac insurance to receive the program?
No. This program is provided free of charge to all children ages 3+ who are diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder. They can receive My Special Aflac Duck from their hospital, community non-profit or families can use this form to request a duck.
How is our information shared with Aflac?
Privacy is a top priority for Aflac and Empath Labs. You can view the privacy policy for My Special Aflac Duck here.
Note: For families requesting ducks directly from Empath Labs, your information is never shared with Aflac.
What if the child doesn’t have a mobile device?
The duck will function fully without a mobile device. The free app provides patients more opportunities to customize their duck and experience more specialized play.
Who can request ducks for their organization?
Anyone providing care to children diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease. Many of our partners have multiple people at their organization ordering for their patient population.
Does my hospital need to have a cancer center to request ducks?
No! We know children with cancer are seen in a variety of settings and units. As long as you provide care for children with cancer and blood disorders, you are eligible to request ducks.
I don’t have much storage, how can I still request ducks?
We know storage is a premium! Please sign up for our subscription program or email support@empathlabs.com directly so we can work with you to make sure you always have ducks for your patients.
Can I give a duck to the patient without first using it with them?
Yes. The duck can be provided to patients without an introduction. All materials inside the box were created by child life specialists to support the family if you don’t have time to explain how to use the duck.
Low battery
Replace your duck’s batteries all at once, and only with 3 new 1.5V “C” size alkaline batteries.
Do not use non-alkaline batteries, do not mix old and new batteries, and do not use rechargeable batteries
My duck made a loud “ka ka ka” sounds, what’s wrong?
If the duck is held too tightly and the duck’s animation or movement is restricted, an internal mechanism that protects the duck causes a “ka ka ka” sound. But don’t worry! The duck is not super fragile. We designed the duck for the way children play.
App sounds are not coming through my device
Within the app, you can select the settings option. Here you can determine if “Music” and “Sound Effects” are enabled. If you are using an iPhone, ensure that the side button is not switched to “Mute”.
Top Features
- Microphone
- Chest sensor
- Tongue button
- Vibrational speaker
- Photosensor
- Cheek sensors
- Back sensor
- Tail button
- Side sensors
- OFF/MUTE/ON