Florida is investing $30 million in pediatric cancer research as part of a growing statewide network designed to make the state a national leader in cancer care and innovation.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that four leading children’s hospitals will each receive $7.5 million through the new Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator. The hospitals are Johns Hopkins All Children’s in St. Petersburg, Nemours Children’s in Orlando, Nicklaus Children’s in Miami and Wolfson Children’s in Jacksonville.
The Incubator, launched by the Department of Health in 2025 under the Cancer Connect Collaborative, funds targeted research initiatives. Its first focus is pediatric cancer, an area where Florida has one of the nation’s highest rates, according to the state officials. Florida accounts for about 6% of new cases nationally, even though it represents just 1% of total cancers nationwide.
The collaborative is part of the Florida Cancer Connect initiative, a statewide hub created by First Lady Casey DeSantis to give patients, families, and caregivers easy access to reliable information, care resources, and prevention programs. The Collaborative advances research within the system. It brings together hospitals, universities, and private partners to share data and push toward breakthroughs.
The Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program is the overarching funding framework that supports ongoing research and treatment improvements across Florida’s cancer centers. It is named after the First Lady, who is a breast cancer survivor and advocate for more resources for families and patients.
Within that program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Grants fund individual projects aimed at advancing the quality and comprehensiveness of cancer care statewide.
While the new $30 million in grants does not directly pay medical costs for families, it is designed to expand access to advanced treatment and clinical trials within the state, reducing the need for families to travel out of state and helping ensure children can receive next level care closer to home.
Altogether these entities form a bond that is intended to advance cancer research and care. Florida Cancer Connect connects families to care, the Collaborative unites researchers, the Research Incubator drives specialized projects like the pediatric cancer initiative, and the Casey DeSantis Program ensures long-term funding and innovation.
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