Representatives from Wolfson Children’s Hospital with Governor Ron DeSantis, Casey DeSantis, FL Surgeon General Joe Ladapo, AHCA Secretary Shevaun Harris
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis joined Wolfson Children’s Hospital to announce Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator awards
November 4, 2025 – Yesterday, at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced $30 million in grant funding awarded to Florida’s four specialty-licensed children’s hospitals to elevate pediatric cancer treatment, innovation and research.
As one of Florida’s four non-profit, specialty-licensed children’s hospitals, Wolfson Children’s Hospital received a $7.5 million renewable grant to support the continued growth and elevation of its pediatric cancer program. This grant is through the Florida Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator, which was created to advance Florida as a leader in pediatric cancer research and treatment.
“We are grateful to Governor DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their commitment to advancing pediatric cancer treatment and research in our state,” said Allegra C. Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “This investment is a critical step forward as we strengthen the infrastructure needed to elevate our pediatric cancer program, ensuring that children and families in Northeast Florida can receive top-quality care right here in our community.”
Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis joined Florida’s Specialty Hospitals for Children at Wolfson Children’s Hospital to announce this initiative. These four hospitals – which include Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Wolfson Children’s Hospital – solely provide care for children and serve the majority of Florida’s pediatric patients with inpatient admissions for complex cancer conditions or rare tumors.
Over the next five years, this renewable grant funding will accelerate progress in four critical areas: expanding access to advanced treatment options, recruiting and retaining top-tier pediatric oncology specialists, investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and driving innovative research that offers families renewed hope and more treatment options.
“Our children deserve to be able to get the very best care right here at home,” said Jaros. “Wolfson Children’s Hospital is committed to meeting that goal – for the children who inspire us and the families that trust us.”
Wolfson Children’s Hospital relies on the generosity of members of our community. To support Wolfson Children’s Hospital, please visit WolfsonChildrens.com/Give.
About Wolfson Children’s Hospital of Jacksonville
Nonprofit Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, is a part of Baptist Health, Northeast Florida’s most comprehensive health system serving every stage of life. Wolfson Children’s is the only children’s hospital in Northeast Florida and serves as the pediatric referral center for North Florida, South Georgia and beyond. Staffed 24/7 by pediatric nurses and other healthcare professionals specially trained to work with children, the 281-bed, patient- and family-centered hospital features the latest pediatric medical technology in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. At Wolfson Children’s, nationally recognized pediatric specialists representing nearly every medical and surgical specialty work with pediatricians to provide care for children of all ages with congenital heart conditions, cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and endocrinology disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health conditions, traumatic injuries, and more. Wolfson Children’s collaborates with pediatric organizations, including Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville, the University of Florida College of Medicine — Jacksonville, Emergency Resources Group, and Mayo Clinic Florida. A Magnet™-designated hospital since 2010, Wolfson Children’s Hospital has been named among the U.S. News & World Report 50 Best Children’s Hospitals year after year, and in 2024, was selected as one of only eight children’s hospitals in the country as a Leapfrog Top Children’s Hospital, a recognition of patient quality and safety. For additional information, please visit WolfsonChildrens.com.
