Pro Football Hall of Famer and University of Georgia alum Champ Bailey recently visited the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, bringing joy and inspiration to young patients and their families. The visit was part of the festivities leading up to the Aflac Kickoff Game, where the Georgia Bulldogs will face the Clemson Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Bailey, known for his illustrious career as a defensive back, took time to sign autographs, pose for pictures, and distribute special items to children battling cancer and blood disorders such as sickle cell disease. His visit was not just a gesture of goodwill but a deeply personal mission, as Bailey’s own family has been touched by cancer and blood disorders.
“I honestly don’t know who got more out of this experience, the kids and families or me,” Bailey remarked. “Meeting these brave kids and seeing their courage was incredibly moving. If we made their day a little brighter, then it was all worth it.”
Bailey was accompanied by Aflac U.S. President Virgil R. Miller and Dr. Jason Payne, Pediatric Hematologist and Director for the Sickle Cell Program at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Together, they delivered My Special Aflac Duck®, an award-winning robotic companion designed to help children cope with their treatments. To date, Aflac has distributed over 31,000 of these robotic ducks to children in the United States, Japan, and Northern Ireland.
“Champ is as his name says, a real champ. His commitment to the community is hall of fame caliber, and we got a chance to see that today as he visited with the children and families,” said Miller.
Bailey’s visit underscores the importance of community support and the positive impact that public figures can have on those facing significant health challenges. As the Aflac Kickoff Game approaches, Bailey’s contributions have set a tone of hope and resilience, reminding everyone of the power of kindness and compassion.