JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced Florida’s continued investment in cancer research, care, and innovation. Speaking at the Borowy Family Tower at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the Governor highlighted $218 million in funding for cancer-related initiatives this fiscal year—bringing total state investment to $1.1 billion for cancer research and treatment since 2019.
“I’m proud to announce that, this year, Florida has secured nearly $218 million for the cancer initiatives that our First Lady has championed, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, and the Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is committed to continuing to be a national leader in cancer treatment and care.”
The announcement spotlighted three key, fully funded initiatives driving Florida’s cancer strategy. Funded at $127.5 million this year, the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program strengthens the quality and competitiveness of cancer care across Florida. The program provides direct funding to Florida’s four National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated hospitals and institutions working toward that designation, to include Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa), Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville), UF Shands Hospital (Gainesville)
and UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (Miami).
Originally established by the Florida Legislature in 2014, the program was renamed in 2022 to honor the First Lady’s courageous battle with cancer and her leadership in expanding collaboration statewide through Cancer Connect.
“Florida’s cancer initiatives are once again fully funded and will help those in our state who are battling this terrible disease. Beating cancer requires innovative approaches, data sharing, and a full team effort to make research and treatment breakthroughs available to all who need them,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis.
“Cancer impacts the lives of many families throughout Florida, and cases of childhood cancer are especially heart wrenching,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A Ladapo. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis and the vision of the First Lady, these focused investments in pediatric cancer research will empower four leading children’s specialty hospitals in Florida to advance innovative treatment options. Every child should have access to the most beneficial care possible, and we pray for all of the families facing these diagnoses.”
Florida’s Cancer Connect Collaborative is a first-of-its-kind national model designed to accelerate research, share best practices, and turn data into actionable results. Guided by five pillars—Data, Best Practices, Innovation, Honesty, and Funding—the initiative brings together public and private partners to reshape cancer care delivery.
Under the Collaborative, Florida launched the Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator, now fully funded with $30 million. The Incubator will focus its first five-year cycle on pediatric cancer, which accounts for just 1% of cases nationally but impacts thousands of children and families.
Florida’s four major children’s hospitals: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami and Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville will be eligible for multi-year grants to expand clinical trials, improve treatment protocols, and accelerate cures.
“Governor and First Lady DeSantis continue to lead with both vision and heart, investing in initiatives that truly change lives,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris. “The funding allocated to launch the Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator is an investment that will bring together Florida’s best minds in science, medicine, and health care to accelerate innovation in pediatric cancer treatment. My hope is that this is the beginning of reimagining how we fight pediatric cancer, and that we can push the boundaries of what’s possible to support families every step of the way.”
The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, created in 2023, is aimed at supporting smaller, start-up, and rural entities focused on cutting-edge research and treatment. Following a successful first year, the Legislature approved a full $60 million for the current fiscal year.
For more information about Florida’s cancer research initiatives, visit: flcancerconnect.com.
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