DeSantis announces $30 million for pediatric cancer research, $7.5 million to four specialty hospitals

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $30 million in state funding for pediatric cancer research at Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, saying the money will be distributed through the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator at the Florida Department of Health.

"So we are pleased today to be able to announce $30,000,000 of funding through the Cancer Collaborative Research Incubator for 4 pediatric cancer specialty hospitals," DeSantis said, identifying the four hospitals that will each receive $7.5 million.

The grant is structured to run over the next five years and is aimed at expanding pediatric oncology clinical trials, recruiting clinicians trained in pediatric oncology, strengthening diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, and supporting family services, officials said. The governor described the incubator's approach as concentrating research capacity on rotating cancer priorities to address gaps in pediatric drug and device development.

First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has advocated for specialty hospital initiatives, described the investment as a moral choice despite pediatric cancers comprising a smaller share of overall cancers. "This is not something traditionally that would get a high return on an investment," she said, noting pediatric cancers account for roughly 6% of all cancers while stressing the importance of supporting affected families.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said the state's role includes filling gaps where private-sector incentives do not align with patient need. He and other speakers highlighted the potential to reduce the need for families to travel out of state for specialized pediatric cancer care.

Siobhan Harris, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, pointed to program elements intended to expand access, including investments in diagnostic technology, clinician recruitment and support services. Harris cited Wilson Children's Hospital's work to pilot a home-delivery chemotherapy program as an example of steps that could extend care into underserved communities and urged participating hospitals to emphasize data sharing and collaboration.

Dr. Mark Toney, vice president of medical affairs at Wilson Children's Hospital, said the funding will help build programs "that rival the nation's best" and reduce burdens on families who currently must travel for some specialized pediatric oncology care.

Officials credited recent legislative support for the allocation and said checks would be presented to hospital representatives at the event. The announcement included representatives from the four hospitals and state health leaders; no formal vote or ordinance was recorded in the meeting transcript.