Astronaut Kellie Gerardi on Voicing a New Children’s Book, IVF Experience, and More
Astronaut Kellie Gerardi has carved out one of the most exciting careers today, blending her love of STEM with a viral online presence. Known for her work as a payload specialist on Virgin Galactic’s Galactic 05 mission, Gerardi brings outer space to mainstream audiences. She’s also winning over families with her hit children’s book series Luna Muna, inspired by her daughter. Now, Gerardi is taking narration for a spin. She voiced the audio version of Sheri Fink’s children’s book, Beyond Words, released by Aflac Incorporated. Here’s what to know about the book, plus information about Gerardi’s passion for STEM, her IVF journey, and more.
Astronaut Kellie Gerardi discussed lending her voice to ‘Beyond Words’ by Sheri Fink
Aflac Incorporated collaborated with author Sheri Fink and research astronaut Kellie Gerard to release the children’s book, Beyond Words. Fink, an award-winning author, brings young readers into Buddy’s world. Buddy, a bear cub, hopes to comfort his friend, Bunny, as Bunny stays in the hospital. Buddy brings readers to outer space and makes new friends along the way. And he learns how to comfort Bunny even when words escape him.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet spoke to Kellie Gerardi about her experience narrating the audio version of Beyond Words. She explained why she chose to lend her voice to this project.
“Part of what I get to do is being able to align myself with organizations and high-impact projects that help here on earth, and I think Aflac has really been just setting the gold standard in that department for more than 30 years,” Gerardi said. “They’ve been supporting children with cancer and blood disorders to the tune of more than $200 million. … This book is a really wonderful and beautiful next step in that support.”
As the mother of a 7-year-old, Gerardi noted that she found the message of the book “beautiful and sweet.” She also noted that she jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this book, especially with Sheri Fink’s “masterful” storytelling.
“I think this [is a] very universal feeling of not necessarily having the right words and not knowing what to say to someone, but knowing that you want to be there for them,” Gerardi continued. “And I think this book does such a beautiful job of teaching.” She added that readers “of all ages” can benefit from the message of the book: “that empathy and kindness are shown through action, and it’s not just about having the perfect words to say to someone.”
Kellie Gerardi talked about supporting kids who are interested in science and technology
Kellie Gerardi grew up in Jupiter, Florida (which she calls “very on brand”) and felt she had “front row seats” to space launches. She told Showbiz Cheat Sheet that we have more educational tools than ever to expose kids to science and tech, even if it’s digital. Even books like Beyond Words can be helpful.
“I think so many of these stories are a part of it,” she said. “My daughter loved the fact that this was a space story, right? But it contains such a deeper message, obviously, and the learning. But reading the book purely on face value, it’s an amazing, out-of-this-world adventure. I think those themes, and being able to show that all of those things can be interconnected, is also very powerful.”
So, does Gerardi plan on narrating more books in the future?
“Well, now I’ve got the bug,” she admitted. “I’m like, ‘Oh, I love it.’ I think, for me, working with kids has just been a category really close to my heart. … So, I know from my experience that I love writing children’s books, and now I’m even eager to think, ‘Oh, can I record more? I love this.'”
She related the story to her own IVF experience
Kellie Gerardi has been open about her IVF journey. In late 2025, she announced she was pregnant after a successful IVF cycle. While speaking to Showbiz Cheat Sheet, she explained the “difficult road” of IVF.
“I started sharing my journey because I felt very isolated and alone in this experience,” she said. “I continue sharing my journey because I’ve learned that I’m not.”
Gerardi noted that the online community has offered her “kindness, empathy, support, and compassion” through it all.
“I do think that similar to this book, it’s like, here’s a topic where it’s not always talked about and people are sometimes hesitant to bring it up in real life, not because they don’t want to be there to support someone that they love, but because it is difficult to know exactly what to say when someone is struggling with something personal or heavy or difficult in life,” she continued.
Gerardi thinks bringing visibility to the subject is important, even if others “don’t have the perfect words.” She also sees how others have continued to show up for her in “all of the different ways beyond just language and words.”
Aflac Incorporated continues its philanthropic efforts through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation
The Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation remains committed to bringing hope and comfort to children battling cancer and sickle cell disease. Through its signature program, My Special Aflac Duck, the foundation distributes medically themed robotic ducks to children ages 3 and up. Beyond Words, available on the Aflac site, serves as an extension of this program.
“For more than 30 years, Aflac has supported children and families during their cancer journeys, providing them with opportunities for new treatments and, ultimately, better chances of survival,” Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos said in a press release. “Yet, we thought we could do more by helping those surrounding the affected children who may struggle with how to provide comfort during challenging times. Beyond Words is a beautiful expression of love and compassion.”
Author Fink identified strongly with Aflac’s mission. “Aflac’s heartfelt mission to help children experiencing childhood cancer and blood disorders — and those surrounding them — through a children’s book exemplifies the company’s commitment to make a tangible difference in children’s care,” said Fink, adding that she felt “inspired” to share alternative ways to express love and friendship aside from just words.
While speaking to Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Kellie Gerardi included a message to families.
“I hope that families know that when they buy this book, it’s not just getting the book and this beautiful story,” she said. “You’re also supporting real kids in a real way by doing so.”
