September marks a particularly poignant moment for families and healthcare professionals across the United States: it’s both Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on the challenges faced by young patients and their loved ones. In Atlanta, this month carries even greater significance as the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta celebrates its 30th anniversary—a milestone that underscores the center’s enduring commitment to children battling life-altering illnesses.
For families like the McGoldricks, the center has become much more than a hospital. Brianna McGoldrick, whose three-year-old son Asher was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer, recalls the moment her world changed. “The world feels like it’s just shattering,” she shared with Atlanta News First, describing the initial shock of Asher’s diagnosis. Since then, the family has been making biweekly visits for treatment, a routine that will continue until roughly November 2025.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty and fear, the Aflac Center has managed to foster moments of joy and comfort. Asher, now a familiar face in the halls, has grown fond of the nurses—his “special ladies,” as he affectionately calls them—and even looks forward to his visits, thanks in part to his love of dinosaurs and the caring staff. “It has also brought some of the happiest, brightest memories,” McGoldrick said, reflecting on the unexpected warmth and support they’ve found during such a difficult journey.
The center’s impact is far-reaching. According to Atlanta News First, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center treats nearly 2,100 sickle cell patients annually and serves children from 45 states. Its reputation as an innovator in cellular therapy has drawn families from across the country, seeking hope and healing when they need it most. “You can take a really terrible situation, and make it into something beautiful,” said Dr. Martha Stewart, one of Asher’s doctors, capturing the ethos that guides the center’s work.
This year, the center’s mission received an added boost from the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation (ACCF), which announced the recipients of its 2025 Child Life Grant awards. The grants, benefiting 15 hospital programs nationwide, are designed to provide comfort, support, and guidance to pediatric patients and their families as they navigate the emotional and practical challenges of cancer or blood disorder diagnoses. Since 2018, the ACCF has awarded 83 grants totaling $152,500 to Child Life programs across the U.S., directly supporting initiatives that insurance often does not cover.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to once again support the vital role child life specialists play in helping young cancer and blood disorders patients and their loved ones navigate their journeys through diagnosis and treatment,” said ACCF president Kerry Hand in a statement published by Aflac Incorporated. Hand emphasized the importance of charitable donations, noting that “insurance does not typically cover Child Life programs,” making external support crucial for hospitals to offer these services. These therapeutic and educational interventions, he explained, help minimize stress, promote coping, and assist families in adjusting to the realities of medical treatment.
This year’s grant recipients represent a broad cross-section of the nation’s pediatric hospitals, each with unique programs tailored to the needs of their communities. The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center in Atlanta received support for coping support resources, further enhancing its ability to provide holistic care. Other grantees include Children’s Health Foundation in Oklahoma City, which runs the Nourishing Hope program; Children’s National in Washington, DC, with its Super Sib Day for siblings of patients; and East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, which focuses on sickle cell education. The list continues with innovative offerings like the Canine Crew at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital in North Carolina, developmental play items at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, and sibling care packages at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.
The breadth of these programs reflects a growing recognition of the complex needs faced by families dealing with childhood cancer and blood disorders. From memory-making initiatives at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami to support groups at New York Presbyterian Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, the focus extends well beyond medical treatment to include emotional resilience and family bonding. As Hand put it, these grants “help children and families adjust to medical experiences,” offering a lifeline during some of the darkest days.
For the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, the 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity, but a testament to the lives changed and the hope restored. The center’s innovative approach to cellular therapy and its unwavering commitment to patient-centered care have earned it national recognition. “Without this center, I have no idea what we would have done,” McGoldrick admitted, echoing the gratitude of countless families who have passed through its doors.
Behind the scenes, Aflac’s broader mission continues to drive progress. As a Fortune 500 company providing financial protection to more than 50 million people worldwide, Aflac has long prioritized the needs of policyholders facing serious illness. The company’s voluntary insurance policies are designed to alleviate financial stress, allowing families to focus on recovery rather than mounting bills. According to Aflac Incorporated, “When a policyholder or insured gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fairly, promptly and directly to the insured.” This ethos of support is mirrored in the company’s philanthropic efforts, with 100 percent of donations to the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign going directly to benefit children and families through grants supporting treatment and research.
As the nation observes Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, the stories emerging from Atlanta and beyond offer a powerful reminder of the resilience, compassion, and innovation at the heart of pediatric care. The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center’s 30-year legacy, bolstered by ongoing support from the ACCF and the generosity of donors, stands as a beacon of hope for families facing the unimaginable. For Asher, his family, and thousands of others, the journey is far from easy—but with the right support, even the darkest moments can give way to brighter days.
The anniversary of the Aflac Center, coupled with the latest round of Child Life Grant awards, signals a future where no child or family has to walk this path alone. Through community, innovation, and unwavering dedication, the fight against childhood cancer and blood disorders continues—one story, one smile, and one milestone at a time.
