Florida Gov DeSantis Allocates $30M to Four Pediatric Cancer Hospitals

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a significant five-year investment of $30 million to support pediatric cancer research, distributing $7.5 million annually to each of four hospitals: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, and Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. This funding is part of the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator, aiming to advance research and improve access to treatment, including initiatives like Wolfson’s home-delivery chemotherapy program. DeSantis emphasized the importance of these investments as pediatric cancer remains the leading disease killer for children under 14, noting the state's ongoing commitment with over $1 billion invested in cancer research and treatment since 2019. The initiative also seeks to reduce the need for families to travel out of state for specialized pediatric cancer care, addressing a current gap in Florida's healthcare offerings. DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, a cancer survivor and founder of the Cancer Connect Collaborative, underscored the personal and statewide significance of continued cancer research funding. The state’s efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to bolstering pediatric cancer care and research infrastructure in Florida.