First Lady Casey DeSantis announced this week the successful completion of a patient's cancer treatment in the Florida panhandle through the Cancer CARE (Connected Access and Remote Expertise) Beyond Walls program, which expands access to cancer care across the panhandle and surrounding areas.
Established under the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund and led by the Mayo Clinic, CARE aims to expand access to high-quality cancer care for patients who may be unable to travel for various treatments. This includes treatment for chemotherapy through digital technology and remote patient monitoring right from a patient's own home.
First Lady DeSantis established the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund in 2023.
“With more than one billion dollars invested since Governor DeSantis took office, Florida has defined itself as an international leader in cancer research, care and innovation,” First Lady Casey DeSantis said in a release. “This project is yet another example of that leadership. Seeking solutions that facilitate world-class cancer care, in the comfort of a patient’s home, is a game-changer for Florida families," she added. "I applaud Mayo Clinic yet again for their commitment to helping Floridians not only beat cancer, but thrive after a diagnosis.”
Specifically, CARE received a grant through the fund's project for Fiscal Year 2024–25. The first Florida clinical trial through the initiative was on Dec. 18, 2025, with the first cancer patient consented on Dec. 22, with the first in-home treatment delivered on Jan. 9.
“Cancer CARE Beyond Walls is focused on removing barriers to care and delivering high-quality cancer treatment to patients in their homes," said Mayo Clinic Cancer Care Beyond Walls Director Roxana Dronca, M.D. “We are grateful for the support of the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, which enables us to expand access to world-class cancer care, reduce the burden of travel, and enhance the patient experience for individuals across the Florida Panhandle," Dronca added.
First Lady DeSantis has led on several initiatives during her time in the position, including highlighting the Mayo Clinic's first carbon ion therapy program in the United States back in January.
Casey DeSantis was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. She announced she was cancer-free in March 2022.
