Florida: Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis Announce Cancer Incubator Awards
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ~ Jacksonville, Fla. - In a press conference today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that Florida has awarded $30 million in grant funding to four specialty children's hospitals in the state. The funding will be used to develop and improve access to clinical trials, advance treatment protocols, and discover cures for childhood cancer.

The four hospitals receiving the grants are Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Nemour's Children's Hospital in Orlando, Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, and Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville. Each hospital will receive $7.5 million.

Governor DeSantis stated, "Since I became governor, Florida has invested more than $1 billion in cancer research and treatment - a 114% increase. We created the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator program within the Florida Department of Health this year to enhance cancer research throughout Florida."

He continued, "Four of Florida's top children's hospitals have received a total of $30 million in funding for their innovative proposals to help children and adolescents who are fighting cancer. By investing in statewide infrastructure for pediatric cancer initiatives, we aim to eliminate the need for Florida families to travel out of state for potentially life-saving experimental therapies and specialized care."

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The Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator was created in 2025 with a focus on pediatric cancer during its first five-year funding cycle. While pediatric cancer accounts for just one percent of cases nationally, Florida has a significant pediatric cancer population with six percent of all new cases occurring within the state.

First Lady Casey DeSantis expressed her gratitude towards her husband's leadership and commitment to advancing cancer research in Florida. She stated, "Research Incubator investments to advance research, prevention, and treatment for pediatric cancer represents a meaningful step forward in our mission to improve outcomes, strengthen families, and ensure that every child has access to the most advanced care possible right here in Florida."

State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A Ladapo also praised the efforts of the DeSantis administration, saying, "Thanks to the vision and leadership of First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida continues to set the national standard for advancing adult and childhood cancer research and care. Through the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator, we're not only investing in science - we're investing in hope for children and families across the state."

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The Incubator is part of Florida's Cancer Connect Collaborative, a model designed to accelerate research, share best practices, and turn data into actionable results. The initiative is guided by five pillars - Data, Best Practices, Innovation, Honesty, and Funding - and brings together public and private partners to reshape cancer care delivery.

Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris also commended the DeSantis administration's efforts. She stated, "Thanks to the leadership of First Lady and Governor DeSantis, Florida continues to make cancer research and treatment a top priority. The Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator is a bold step forward, beginning with pediatric cancer research. We look forward to seeing the strides made among the awardees and the collaboration that will accelerate breakthroughs, improve access to therapies, and offer hope to families across our state."

For more information about Florida's cancer research initiatives, visit FLCancerConnect.com.

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