Brian Jordan returned to St. Louis on Monday to spend time with young patients at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, bringing his children's book and a special robotic duck designed to help kids cope with serious illness.
Jordan, who played seven seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals before going on to an NFL career, read from his first children's book, "I Told You I Can Play," to patients and families at the hospital. The book tells the story of a 6-year-old boy named Brian who overcomes doubts about his size and age to play football with older kids — a narrative inspired by Jordan's own childhood experiences.
"The children at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital and those across the nation go through so much more than any child should have to deal with," Jordan said during the visit. "St. Louis has always been a second home to me. Coming back here and spending time with the kids and families is something I cherish."
Every child at the event received a copy of the book. The centerpiece of the visit was the distribution of My Special Aflac Duck, a robotic companion that has become increasingly common in pediatric wards across the country. The ducks, which arrived with Aflac U.S. President Virgil Miller, are designed specifically for children diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease.
The robotic companion works through medical play, soundscapes and interchangeable emoji cards that allow children to express emotions. According to a three-year clinical study released in 2024 involving 160 patients at eight hospitals, the ducks helped reduce stress and anxiety for both patients and their caregivers during treatment.
Since 2018, Aflac has distributed nearly 50,000 of the ducks to eligible children at no cost across the United States, Japan and Northern Ireland. Children ages 3 and older diagnosed with cancer or sickle cell disease can receive one free through the company's website at AflacChildhoodCancer.org.
"Visiting the children, families and staff at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon today was inspiring," Miller said. "Brian and the duck not only brought smiles and laughter to kids who could use some additional attention, but we know through research that the ducks will help each child and their caregivers provide comfort and relief."
Aflac has invested more than $200 million in pediatric cancer and blood disorder research and treatment over the past 31 years. The My Special Aflac Duck was named one of Time Magazine's 50 Best Inventions and won Best in Show at both CES and South by Southwest in 2018.
Sandy Koller, president of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Foundation, said the partnership exemplifies how community leaders can use their platforms for good. "We see every day what is possible when people choose to give back and rally around children and families who need them," Koller said. "Aflac and Brian Jordan are wonderful examples of using their resources, their platform and their generosity to make a meaningful difference."
Jordan has authored six children's books focused on themes of perseverance and overcoming adversity. The visit Monday extended that work by bringing messages of hope directly to children facing life's toughest challenges.
