Indy Standard

A bill co-authored by State Representative Ryan Lauer is set to move forward for further evaluation in the House. The legislation, House Bill 1453, aims to establish a new grant program dedicated to pediatric cancer research.

The proposed Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment Grant Program seeks to provide funding for innovative research into novel cancer treatments. "One Hoosier child fighting cancer is one too many, and we need to take more steps toward promoting valuable research that may save a young life," stated Lauer. He added that this initiative could create a new pathway for Indiana to increase both funding and awareness in the field of medical research.

Statistics from the Indiana Department of Health reveal that annually, over 300 new cases of pediatric cancer were reported among Hoosier children aged 0 to 19 between 2016 and 2020. Additionally, more than 30 children in Indiana died from cancer each year during the same period.

The American Cancer Society projects that over 9,000 children across the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 14, with more than 1,000 expected fatalities under age 15 in the coming year.

Lauer emphasized that increasing funding for pediatric cancer research could lead to significant developments in therapies originating from Indiana with potential applications nationwide.

House Bill 1453 now awaits further consideration by the House. For additional information about the bill or to follow its progress, visit iga.in.gov.