Dayton, Ohio

October 18, 2016

Moms 4 Miracles

When founder Sallie Taylor was called to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society she called on her friends – an incredible group of mothers – to help her raise money. They went above and beyond, raising $42,000 in honor of children with cancer, with the biggest fundraiser being a golf outing. That amount earned Taylor the title of “Woman of the Year” and cemented her future as a champion for children.

The next year, Sallie created the Moms 4 Miracles Fund through the Dayton Foundation. Every year, this group of dedicated moms host their annual golf outing. They have also added a Derby Day event, and local businesses have all joined in with fundraisers. Battling cancer is a long process, with weeks spent in the hospital at a time, so these Moms also have purchased gaming systems and tablet devices to help entertain kids.

During the last year, they raised $25,000 to name an outpatient transfusion room in the new pediatric cancer treatment floor of the patient tower currently under construction at Dayton Children’s main campus.

With the proceeds, the Moms help pay off medical bills, make wishes come true, fund research or support hospital initiatives. While their fundraising takes a lot of time, hard work and perseverance, Moms 4 Miracles says it’s actually become another blessing. They get to see the indomitable spirit of youth conquer illness. They get to be a part of healing and hope. And in the end, they get to help make miracles.

Gina Robinette

No matter how much has changed in Gina Robinette’s 30 years at Dayton Children’s Hospital, one thing remains constant – the human connection. Technology has advanced and new treatments continue to emerge, but according to Robinette, nothing beats humans taking care of humans.

Battling cancer is a long fight and patients become a part of a family at Dayton Children’s. Despite the arduous journey, tackling it together, one step at a time, lightens some of the load. Robinette enjoys developing that relationship with patients and their families while doing what she can to help.

The moments she will never forget actually come long after the children she cares for have beaten cancer, grown up and moved on with their lives. These past patients, who Robinette saw at their worst, come back with their own children to visit her. She gets to see the future that she helped create by caring for each child as if they were her own. No matter what a child must endure today, Robinette knows that a brighter future is possible, and she will never stop reminding each child, and each family, that a new day is ahead.

Kayleigh Crabtree

Lemons and pineapples: Two tropical fruits that will always remind Kayleigh that the fight against cancer is never over. While she is now cancer-free, her own battle with the disease made her more passionate about raising money and awareness than ever.

Kayleigh’s learned the word ‘cancer’ at the tender age of 6 when she was introduced to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization which raises money for childhood cancer research. She started hosting her own lemonade stands and in two seasons raised more than $500 for the organization.

Never did she think that after those two successful summers she would be on the other side of the stand. At age 8, Kayleigh was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

The battle would be long and hard for young Kayleigh – five phases of chemotherapy and losing her hair twice. Through it all, she had a champion by her side – a man she liked to call Dr. Pineapple. His real name is Dr. Mukund Dole, spelled like the name on a can of pineapple but pronounced with an “a” on the end. He was Kayleigh’s oncologist, and he and the team at Dayton Children’s together helped Kayleigh and her family make it through two years of treatment with a successful outcome.

Today at age 14, Kayleigh is just as passionate about raising money for cancer causes, including Dayton Children’s, Children’s Miracle Network, CureSearch and others. At the end of the day, Kayleigh knows that the roots of awareness and support that she plants will bear fruit for generations of cancer care to come.

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Mesa, Arizona

October 13, 2016

Scott Starr

Scott Starr left his footprints at Cardon Children’s Medical Center from the beginning of his battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma at the end of his junior year of high school in May 2015.

The diagnosis came right as Starr was beginning his lifelong dream of entering the Marines. Starr soon learned that because of his diagnosis, he would not be able to meet the Marine health requirements. However, this did not stop him from moving forward to plan B, which included finishing high school.

Starr’s cancer treatment included several severe surgeries, planned and unplanned, along with chemotherapy. Not only did he endure this difficult treatment, but he spent weeks on a ventilator in the pediatric ICU. Yet Starr never let himself be defined by his cancer.

Starr never lost his smile, positive attitude and sense of humor. He remained who he was, passionate about the military, his family, his friends, and his will to overcome each and every obstacle. Following Starr’s last surgery, doctors informed his family it would be several days and maybe even weeks before he would be up and moving again. Starr was up and out of his bed within 24 hours of his final surgery.

Due to all the challenges he faced during treatment, it was unclear whether Starr would be able to meet the requirements to graduate from high school. As graduation approached, Starr worked hard on completing his schoolwork and was able to fulfill his dream of graduating.

Starr is now cancer free and has since been considering becoming an EMT or a firefighter. Though he has completed all his treatments, he continues to leave his footprints on Cardon Children's Hospital through his involvement in community programs to help raise awareness as well as through mentoring of several other patients who are battling cancer.

Joel Nava

Joel Nava was diagnosed at 13 years old with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in May 2003, and later it relapsed in his central nervous system.

He was a quiet, caring and polite young teen who was very bright and had plans for high academic achievement. The two things that Nava loved most were his family and school. His biggest worry at diagnosis was that he was just about to start at Brophy College Preparatory school and missed the entire first year. Because of his love of academics, it took a lot to keep him busy and not bored on long hospital stays – especially when he had shingles and had to stay in his room.

In fact, he decided to write a hospital newsletter and posted it in the staff bathroom for all to know the happenings and gossip of the unit. The newsletter frequently had doctor and nursing tidbits in it regarding life events such as who was in school, who was getting married and who was pregnant. The nurses still talk about Nava’s newsletter. Nava also made a paper snowman once and would change the theme of the snowman on the unit wall when he came in for admissions to correspond with the holiday or someone’s birthday. He loved to teach the nurses Spanish and would laugh when he would make them say crazy things.

As a young adult, Nava took a trip to Japan in a World Study Abroad Program. While there he decided he wanted to pursue a career in nursing. Nava went on to ASU Nursing School and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and health innovation. He credits his pediatric oncology nurses as his mentors, saying, “My nurses were there for me,” and they “epitomize the idea of compassion and empathy.”

McKenzie Monks Foundation

McKenzie Monks was just 3 years old when those dreaded words were heard: “She has cancer.” McKenzie was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms tumor – cancer in both kidneys. Life would never be the same for her and those who loved her dearly.

Immediately, McKenzie and her family took action. McKenzie faced a new life of doctors, needles, 11 months of chemo, 12 surgeries, 50 radiation treatments, intense pain and the brutal process of undergoing a bone marrow transplant. During her courageous journey, McKenzie was often seen pulling her Hello Kitty suitcase filled with some of her favorite things to keep her busy and provide her comfort during treatment.

After 19 months, McKenzie left the life of pain she had come to know, but what she left behind continues to be a gift to so many. McKenzie’s family – her mom, Denise Monks; dad, Richard Monks; and sisters, Michelle and Mandy Monks – knew they wanted to keep her spirit alive. Their footprints began with the creation of the McKenzie Monks Foundation. The mission of their work is to help children cope with the long days of battling cancer. Since 2004, nearly 3,000 Kenzie Kases have been given to children that are fighting cancer. These Kases were inspired after the Hello Kitty suitcase that brought McKenzie joy and comfort. Each child receives a Kase with an iPad (or DVD player), blankets, toys and crafts.

Not only does the McKenzie Monks Foundation provide Kenzie Kases, but it has also created a special space at Cardon Children’s for young patients. Kenzie Korner was built for children to step away from their treatment for much needed breaks where they can relax, have fun and just be a kid.

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Columbia, South Carolina

September 7, 2016

The second stop of the #Duckprints tour takes us back to long-time Aflac hospital partner, Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia, SC to honor four heroes who have left their footprint in the fight.

Voice of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Todd Ellis, joined us as the master of ceremonies as we celebrated Paul and Sarah Towns, longtime CAMP KEMO supporters and executers of Elgin Lights, a Christmas lights show that honors Cole Sawyer, who lost the fight to childhood cancer in 2004.

Longtime Aflac medical director of the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Palmetto Health was also honored for his efforts in the fight. Our final honoree, Stacy Sawyer, was a valued advisor and advocate for CAMP KEMO. Although Stacy received this award posthumously, her memory will live on with the success of CAMP KEMO.

Finally DJ Fisher, a 17-year-old patient at Palmetto Health, was present to share his story and was recognized for this invaluable peer support to other children also undergoing cancer treatment.

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Atlanta, Georgia

September 6, 2016

To kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Aflac Duck begins his #Duckprints tour right here in Atlanta at the Aflac Cancer Center. Long-time broadcaster for Turner Sports, Ernie Johnson Jr., aided the Duck in handing out the year’s first awards to two local heroes for their significant contributions in the battle against childhood cancer.

Honorees included WSB’s Atlanta Morning News host, Scott Slade, who started the WSB Radio Care-a-Thon for the Aflac Cancer Center raising over $19 million since it’s inception in 2001. Also receiving an award is advanced practice nurse and founder of Camp Sunshine, Dorothy Jordan. Started in 1983, Camp Sunshine, has provided year-round recreational, educational and supportive programming for children with cancer and their families.

Event attendees also heard the story of Ellanor Young, a brave girl diagnosed with leukemia at only 4 years old who is now in remission. Her fight inspired her father’s lacrosse team to form the nonprofit Lax for Leukemia Inc., which donates to Aflac Cancer Center needs.

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Dayton, Ohio

September 29, 2015

The last stop of the 2015 Duckprints tour, brought the Aflac Duck to Dayton Children's Hospital in Dayton, OH. Local news anchor, Cheryl McHenry, hosted the ceremony where we honored 14 year-old cancer patient Colin Beach and his mother Maureen, who while fighting numerous bouts with childhood cancer, managed to use their experience to raise money for other cancer patients, pediatric cancer nurse at Dayton Children's Hospital, Robbie Mirisciotti, R.N., a 20-year veteran care-giver and the Centerville Noon Optimist Club, a fellowship of people who have donated nearly $100,000 to Dayton Children's Hospital for children battling cancer.

"Dayton Children's Hospital is proud to have some of the most valiant warriors in the fight against pediatric cancer be recognized with the Aflac Duckprints Award," said Debbie Feldman, President and CEO of Dayton Children's. "Each of these honorees puts their heart and soul into providing comfort for sick children, to raising awareness about the need children's hospitals have in treating kids with cancer and to fighting this disease day in and day out."

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Atlanta, Georgia

September 1, 2015

To recognize its milestone of raising over $100 million towards pediatric cancer research and treatment, the Aflac Duck traveled back to where it all started 20 years ago, the Aflac Cancer Center. The ceremony, hosted by national broadcaster Ernie Johnson, Jr. celebrated nationally recognized comedian, author and TV personality, Jeff Foxworthy and childhood cancer advocates, Vicki and Ansley Riedel.

In 1995, it was Ansley Riedel who was the catalyst for the start of the Aflac Cancer Center. At 10 months old, Ansley was diagnosed with an aggressive form of adult leukemia. Her mother, Vicki, became a huge advocate for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and it was her passion and drive that led her to Aflac’s door. The response she received was nothing short of amazing.

20 years and $100 million in donations later, the Aflac Cancer Center is proud to see it’s partnership come full circle and will continue to its mission to eradicate childhood cancer.

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Columbia, South Carolina

July 17, 2015

On July 17, 2015, The Aflac Duck traveled to Columbia, SC to honor a few local heroes in the fight against childhood cancer. The ceremony, held at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, recognized Linda Wells, the first pediatric oncology/hematology nurse at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital and co-founder of CAMP KEMO, a camp for children with cancer and their siblings, celebrating its 36th year.

Also recognized was local high school, Airport High School, whose annual charity drive has created a movement and inspired philanthropy among students, faculty, staff and alumni. In 11 years, more than $300,000 has been raised for CAMP KEMO Programs of Palmetto Health Children's Hospital.

Attendees also heard the story of Kaitlyn Jacobs, a high school student and patient at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, whose life has been impacted by childhood cancer.

Legendary Carolina Gamecock quarterback and the current voice of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, Todd Ellis, served as master of ceremonies for the event. Ellis' daughter Logan is a childhood cancer survivor. Any family who has been touched by cancer, especially those who have seen their child battle this terrible disease, understands why we need to keep fighting every day," Ellis said. "As one of those families, we cannot say enough about these individuals who have dedicated their time and efforts to helping children like Logan. We are thrilled to honor them here today."

“Being a children’s oncology nurse is a career. Going that extra mile and founding a camp for children and families facing cancer is a calling,” said Kathelen Amos, president of the Aflac Foundation. “Organizing a high school to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for families you have never met is an incredible act of selflessness. Today’s awardees are a reflection of Aflac’s values and our community, so we proudly honor them for their heroic efforts.”

“We are so inspired by the honorees today,” said Sam Tenenbaum, president, Palmetto Health Foundation. “Our partnership with Aflac allows us to highlight special people like this who have made such a profound difference in the lives of patients and families.”

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Ft. Worth, Texas

April 16, 2015

Aflac brought its Duckprints Awards program to local heroes at Cook Children's Medical Center in Ft. Worth, TX on April 16, 2015. Three honorees were chosen for their efforts to the cause of eradicating childhood cancer.

Teresa Clark - who served as Chief Nursing Officer at Cook Children's and dedicated her life to caring for those with cancer. After a courageous battle with cancer herself, Teresa passed away shortly after the awards ceremony on May 20th, 2015. We are honored that we had the chance to recognize her before her passing.

Scott Odom - after being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the age of 14, he chose to amputate his right leg above the knee to save his life. Later he co-founded Amp 1, an amputee basketball team.

Mark "Hawkeye" Louis - longtime morning host on heritage country station 96.3 FM KSCS, who served as a camp counselor at Camp Sanguinity from 2002-2006. His 2014 Radiothon raised over $120K for patients at Cook Children's.

“Because of the research happening at places like Cook Children’s Medical Center, the work conducted over the last 50 years has produced a remarkable change in the five-year childhood cancer survival rate - leaping from 20 percent to 80 percent,” said Kathelen Amos, president of the Aflac Foundation. “As Aflac’s primary mission is to assist families when they need it most, we are pleased to honor the special heroes of Texas who work hard to help more families enjoy special times with healthier, more vibrant children.”

“We are honored to recognize and celebrate these three incredible individuals. Cook Children’s is a better place because of our partnership with Teresa, Scott and ‘Hawkeye,’” Grant Harris, vice president of Cook Children’s Health Foundation said. “Our Duckprints wall will be a constant reminder to our patients and their families that they are not alone in their fight against cancer.”

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Sacramento, California

November 12, 2014

The Aflac Duck traveled to UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in Sacramento, CA on November 12, to honor four individuals who have dedicated themselves to helping improve treatment and seeking a cure for children’s cancer.

Recipients received the Aflac Duckprints Award for leaving their own personal footprints in helping in this great cause. The four Award recipients at UC Davis are multi-time survivor and current ambassador for Children’s Cancer, Francesca Arnaudo, outstanding children’s cancer nurses Katie Haertle and Nancy Lewis, and Robyn Raphael, who, after losing her five-year-old son to neuroblastoma in 1998, has raised more than $5 million for pediatric cancer research.

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Atlanta, Georgia

September 8, 2014

To recognize its milestone of raising over $90 million towards pediatric cancer research and treatment, along with the one-year anniversary launch of the Duckprints campaign, Aflac held a Duckprints Awards event to honor heroes Tom and Chris Glavine and Kristin Connor, Executive Director of CURE Childhood Cancer on September 8, 2014.

Held at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the ceremony was hosted by national broadcaster Ernie Johnson, Jr., himself a cancer survivor. They were joined by the Miller family of Dalton, GA and Esme Miller, a beautiful and brave 10 year-old diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December of 2013. Esme is currently being treated at the Aflac Cancer Center.

“Aflac is proud to honor the Glavines for their quiet but substantial support of childhood cancer throughout Tom’s legendary Hall-of-Fame career and Kristin Connor, who represents CURE Childhood Cancer, an organization that has raised millions of dollars for childhood cancer research at the Aflac Cancer Center,” said Kathelen Amos, president of the Aflac Foundation. “We are pleased to add them to our Duckprints ‘Wall of Fame’, which will serve as a constant reminder to children and families that they do not have to fight cancer alone.”

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Houston, Texas

July 23, 2014

Aflac brought its Duckprints Awards program to local heroes at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Children's Art Project in Houston on July 23, 2014. The event, held at MD Anderson, recognized the following three individuals who have dedicated themselves to this cause.

Caitlyn Mortus — who faced Burkitt's lymphoma at age 13 which inspired her to get involved with Children's Art Project during her treatment at MD Anderson.

Mia Gradney – news anchor at Houston's KHOU-TV and a huge friend to the Children's Art Project, who includes the program in many of her philanthropic efforts.

Kendra Scott – jewelry designer who has consistently given back to the hospital by hosting promotional events for the Children's Art Project.

"The Children's Art Project provides our young patients with an opportunity to create original artwork which is featured on gift merchandise benefiting important patient programs," said Shannan Murray, executive director of the program. "We're honored Aflac is recognizing the talents of our patients and those who have given so much over the years, which has enabled us to return more than $31 million since our beginning."

"Aflac is proud to honor these three caring individuals who have worked selflessly to help eradicate children's cancer," said Kathelen Amos, President of the Aflac Foundation. "Their unrelenting concern for people who need them most exemplifies the values that Aflac, our employees and our independent agents who give so generously for this worthy cause, value so dearly.”

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Columbia, South Carolina

June 4, 2014

On June 4, 2014, the Aflac Duck and MSNBC anchor and NBC News correspondent Craig Melvin traveled to Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina, to recognize three individuals and families who have dedicated themselves to helping improve treatment and seeking a cure for children’s cancer.

This third ceremony attracted a large and enthusiastic local crowd!

“Aflac could not be more proud to honor the large footprint left by people like the Teal family, Dr. McRedmond and Mr. Bessent who personify the care and dedication we need to eventually eradicate children’s cancer,” said Kathelen Amos, President of the Aflac Foundation. “Through altruism, passion and even pain, these individuals have shown themselves to be true soldiers in this cause, which our company, employees and sales agents have embraced for nearly 20 years.”

“Our honorees exemplify passion, dedication and commitment in the fight against childhood cancer,” said Samuel Tenenbaum, president, Palmetto Health Foundation. “Uniting with Aflac for the Duckprints awards helps us shine a light on wonderful people who are making an impact in our community.”

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Long Island, New York

December 18, 2013

On December 18, 2013, Aflac took the Duckprints campaign to Cohen Children's Medical Center in Long Island, NY. Hosting the event was Hollywood star and native New Yorker Peter Facinelli, aka Dr. Carlisle Cullen in the popular Twilight Saga and Dr. Finch Cooper on the hit series Nurse Jackie on Showtime. Mr. Facinelli bestowed the Duckprints Awards to Jonathan D. Fish, MD, the founder of a clinical long-term follow-up program for children's cancer survivors at Cohen Children's Medical Center, part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, and Abigail Slaven, RN, a pediatric oncology nurse, also at the Cohen Children's Medical Center. Also honored was Morgan Zuch and her family. Morgan was diagnosed in 2000 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of two and upon receiving a clean bill of health, she and her family embarked on the creation of a non-profit education center for preschool aged children with cancer called The Morgan Center in Hicksville, NY.

"As an actor I have had the chance to play heroes on screen, but families facing the real-life threat of cancer are the true heroes," Mr. Facinelli said. "As a father of three healthy children, I am proud to honor Morgan, Dr. Fish and Abigail for their dedication and commitment to the families they serve and the lives they save."

"Aflac is proud to honor the Zuch family, Dr. Fish and Nurse Slaven with a 2013 Duckprints Award for their dedicated service to children facing cancer," said Kathelen Amos, President of the Aflac Foundation. "By leaving their large footprints on this worthy cause they have demonstrated the values that our company, our employees and our independent sales agents hold dear -- that being there for others in their time of need is a very admirable mission."

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Atlanta, Georgia

September 4, 2013

On Wednesday, September 4, 2013, the Aflac Duck launched his Journey around the United States visiting children's cancer hospitals to bring the Duckprints message and impact to each community with a great event in Atlanta. Aflac honored two heroes in their fight against childhood cancer, former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz and Aflac Cancer Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Director Dr. William G. Woods. On hand to kick off the ceremony was Atlanta sportscaster and cancer survivor Ernie Johnson, Jr, and Bailey Moody, a brave 11 year-old girl diagnosed in 2012 with an aggressive form of cancer called osteosarcoma, was present to represent children and families facing cancer. She shared her experience with the guests and media and was greeted by the Duck upon her arrival!

“Aflac is proud to honor John Smoltz and Dr. William G. Woods, who passionately share our values of supporting people in their time of need,” said Kathelen Amos, President of the Aflac Foundation. “The footprints left by each of these heroes remind us of what we can accomplish when we reach out to help others.”

The Aflac Duck looks forward to continuing his Journey around the United States in 2013 and beyond!

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