From Space To Storytime: Research Astronaut Kelli Gerardi Launches Into New Project & Chapter

Research astronaut and popular content creator Kelli Gerardi is opening up about two meaningful chapters in her life: her deeply personal IVF journey, which she’s been candidly sharing with her TikTok community, and her new role as the narrator of Aflac’s children’s book “Beyond Words.” 

The book follows Buddy the Bear on a heartwarming intergalactic adventure that teaches kids the power of kindness and presence, messages inspired by children facing cancer and sickle cell disease. 

Gerardi discussed exclusively with The Blast how the project aligns with her passion for science, storytelling, and supporting families navigating big challenges. She also shared some insight into what it’s been like sharing her IVF journey on TikTok. 

Gerardi, well known research astronaut and content creator, teamed up with bestselling children’s book author Sheri Fink and Aflac Incorporated to release a new children’s book that highlights the power of compassion and empathy for loved ones, especially children, who are facing health struggles.

Fink brought Buddy to life through a heartwarming story about the bear cub struggling with the right words to comfort his friend, Bunny, who was in the hospital. Buddy’s imagination takes flight, taking readers on an intergalactic space journey with new friends who help him understand that at times it’s not what you say, but what you do - beyond words - that matter the most when someone is in need.

“Beyond Words” builds on Aflac’s longstanding commitment to caring for children and families, including its beloved My Special Aflac Duck 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,” said Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos, according to a press release sent to The Blast. “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.”

Gerardi told The Blast that this project was “very special” for her.

“Aflac reached out and wanted to see if I would be interested in recording the audio version of ‘Beyond Words.’ It’s such a special book,” she said. “I think having a 7-year-old daughter at home, being able to have this book that shows that empathy and kindness can be shown through action and not just words is such an important message for children and adults alike. I was really honored to get to participate in this special project.” 

Gerardi has narrated audio books in the past, but she said this project stands out for her.

“Having the opportunity to lend my voice and name to such a mission driven project and a high impact one is something very special to me. I love seeing companies give back like this,” she said. “This isn’t new for Aflac. This is part of their 30-year commitment right now to supporting children with cancer and blood disorders. For me, that was an obvious match, something that I care really deeply about.” 

Something that really stood out for Gerardi was that 100% of the net proceeds from the book will go to supporting research and treatment for children with cancer and blood disorders. 

With nearly one million followers on TikTok, Gerardi has found a supportive community to share her IVF journey. 

“I’ve been so grateful to find such a supportive community online that genuinely improves my day and the quality of my life,” she shared with The Blast.

“And I do think that sharing something that perhaps isn’t as talked about is very helpful to fostering conversations similar to the book [“Beyond Words”]. It’s like sometimes these topics in society we shy away from, not because we don’t want to reach out to our friends who are navigating something difficult, but because it’s hard to know what to say to someone struggling.” 

For Gerardi, showing a real and raw look at what it’s like for a woman to be struggling on her journey to parenthood can help to open conversations with others who may not have someone to talk to about it. And because of her experiences, “Beyond Words” really called to her in more ways than one. 

“I did find a lot of my friends showed up for me, even if they didn’t have the perfect words, just being there and lending that support,” she continued. “I think it kind of goes to the core of why this book and project resonates so much with me.” 

Gerardi became the 90th woman in history to fly to space. She's a researcher, author, mother, and viral TikTok content creator. She was named by USA Today a 2025 Woman of the Year, and the recipient of a 2025 People's Voice Webby Award.

With Gerardi already accomplishing so many amazing goals, we wondered what's left on her bucket list.

"I give myself so much grace with timelines in life when I think about dreams and goals. I really do believe that the key is keeping yourself motivated for as long as possible and not trying to get there as fast as possible for anything - whether it's recovery from an illness or whether it's a dream of going to space, or whatever you're navigating," Gerardi told The Blast.

"I think for me, it's just about trying to continue to be as resilient as possible in all things and going after the entire vision board in life. And part of that is, I'm so fortunate to be able to work with organizations like Aflac and new opportunities that I might not have seen for myself, like narrating an audio book version of such a beautiful children's book."

For "Beyond Words" purchase options, visit Aflac.com. The hard cover book is $21.99, soft cover is $12.99, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting childhood cancer and blood disorders research and treatment through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Foundation.