Griffin and His My Special Aflac Duck®
Meet Griffin!
Griffin is one of 200 young warriors currently on active treatment at the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, the oncology program of The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.
In the words of Griffin’s parents, Bob and Danielle:
“On June 25, 2017, our world came crashing down around us as our worst fear became our reality. Our oldest son, Griffin, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 3 years old. From that day, we knew Griffin would have the fight of his life ahead of him.
Griffin spent the first month of treatment at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital undergoing surgical placement of his Mediport, bone marrow aspirations, lumbar punctures and chemotherapy. There, we met Griffin’s oncologists, social workers and nurses from Maine Children’s Cancer Program, who would be providing world class care to save our son’s life.
From the day Griffin was diagnosed, the oncologists, social workers, nurses and staff at Maine Children’s Cancer Program went above and beyond to not only provide Griffin with lifesaving treatment, but to provide support for our entire family. He is still on active treatment today for Leukemia and will be until the fall of 2020.”
Griffin & His Duck:
Griffin has been one of the proud recipients of the My Special Aflac Duck®. Both his social workers and his parents have seen the positive impact that Griffin’s Duck has made in helping him throughout his cancer journey.
“The Aflac Duck has given Griffin a means to express his feelings far beyond his words and vocabulary,” said Danielle. “It is often challenging for young children, like Griffin, to communicate how their bodies are feeling pain and discomfort. Over the past 2 years of Griffin’s treatment, this has always been a challenge. Since receiving the Aflac Duck, Griffins ability to communicate and share his feeling has greatly improved!”
“Griffin’s Duck has provided comfort during challenging treatments and is a buddy to share his feelings with. When he is happy he can make his Duck sing and dance and when he isn’t feeling well his Duck will mimic this. Griffin loves his Duck and we are so thankful for this amazing tool to help him through treatment! Thank you Aflac!”