Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed the success of the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund and other initiatives during a press conference in Tampa. The announcement is part of the University of South Florida World Cancer Research Day symposium.
"We have really done a lot, certainly since I've been governor, to help advance the ball when it comes to cancer research and treatment," DeSantis said during the press conference. "Since 2019, we and the State of Florida have invested more than a billion dollars in cancer research and treatment."
DeSantis emphasized increasing funding for cancer research initiatives by 114% since taking office. Moving forward, the governor mentioned Florida's accomplishments in fighting cancer this year.
"This year alone, Florida has committed nearly 218 million dollars to cancer research through three different initiatives that are transforming how we prevent, detect, and treat this disease," DeSantis explained.
The governor also highlighted the work of his wife, First Lady Casey DeSantis, in supporting and establishing cancer initiatives, including the Cancer Connect Collaborative.
"This is a national model focused on accelerating research, sharing best practices, sharing data, and turning data into action," DeSantis said. "Florida's Cancer Connect Collaborative is designed to break down barriers that slow progress in the fight against cancer."
Casey DeSantis founded the Cancer Connect Collaborative in 2023. She was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021.
"It's just so incredibly important that we continue to do what we've done in the state of Florida to really give hope to a lot of people who are struggling [with cancer] or who have family members who are struggling," she expressed.
The First Lady also noted Florida's plan to look into studies on Ivermectin and its benefits in curing cancer later in her remarks. The drug is most commonly used to treat parasitic diseases.
Moreover, the governor added that his wife's work has led to the state's establishment of the Cancer Connect Collaborative research incubator and its funding of $30 million. The incubator is designed to focus on and identify cancer treatments, including pediatric cancer, which is its current emphasis during its five-year term.
In doing so, the governor emphasized the state's investment in four children's specialty hospitals: Wolfson in Jacksonville, Johns Hopkins in St. Petersburg, Nemours in Orlando, and Nicklaus in Miami.
"They are all eligible for multi-year grants. They're gonna be able to expand clinical trials and improve treatment protocols and advance real-world cures," DeSantis said.
The governor also highlighted the Cancer Innovation Fund as part of Florida's efforts. Like the Cancer Connect Collaborative, the fund was established in 2023 with an initial investment of 20 million dollars. It has since helped allocate 80 million dollars to 95 research projects across the state, including 60 million in additional funding this year for a total investment of 140 million dollars.
DeSantis announced the fund will be accepting applicants starting this week.
"It's just so incredibly important that we continue to do what we've done in the state of Florida to really give hope to a lot of people who are struggling or who have family members who are struggling," Casey DeSantis expressed.
