Indy Standard

A bill aimed at establishing a grant program for pediatric cancer research has successfully passed through the House. Co-authored by State Representative Ryan Lauer, the legislation seeks to create the Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment Grant Program. This initiative is designed to fund research into treatments and new therapies for pediatric cancer.

The Indiana Department of Health reports that from 2016 to 2020, over 300 new cases of pediatric cancer were recorded annually among children aged 0 to 19 in Indiana. During the same period, more than 30 children died from cancer each year in the state.

"As medicine and technology continue to improve, so too should our ability to explore different treatment options for pediatric cancer," said Lauer. "This legislation could lay the groundwork for Indiana to make more advancements to combat this terrible disease affecting young Hoosiers and their families."

The bill allows individuals and businesses in Indiana to contribute directly to the grant fund. These donations could support ongoing pediatric cancer research within the state, including projects at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

House Bill 1453 will now proceed to the Senate for further evaluation. For more information about the bill and its progress, visit iga.in.gov.