, /PRNewswire/ -- Three-time women's national championship-winning Head Basketball Coach and Olympic legend joined , a leading provider of health supplemental insurance in the U.S., to deliver 16 at Prisma Health Children's Hospital-Midlands.
The social robotic duck uses innovative technology to help children prepare for medical procedures, communicate their feelings, practice distraction techniques and more. "After my first delivery last year, I wore a necklace crafted by a patient, serving as a constant reminder to maintain perspective in all situations. Aflac and I are deeply committed to giving back, particularly to children facing sickle cell — an often overlooked community," said Coach Staley.
"Today's event carries even greater significance, especially on the heels of World Sickle Cell Day. While an undefeated season and national championships are tremendous accomplishments, nothing outweighs the special place these children hold in my heart." The duck was designed in consult with more than 100 children, families and medical professionals in partnership with Empath Labs and uses medical play and lifelike movement to help children cope with their treatments.
was featured in a spearheaded by researchers at and conducted at eight hospitals across the country. The study, which focused on children with cancer, was released in April, showed that helps young patients cope with treatment-related distress and anxiety. The robotic companion was named one of Time Magazine's 50 .