LOUISVILLE, Ky. — More than $1.9 million in grants will go to supporting childhood cancer patients and their families, according to a news release from Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky.
The governor also signed proclamations recognizing Brain Cancer Awareness Month, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day and the fifth annual David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day, the news release said.
“All Kentucky kids deserve to grow up healthy and happy. And no parent whose child is facing cancer should have to worry that they might lose their home because of overwhelming medical expenses,” Beshear said. “Today, many leaders in D.C. are sitting back and threatening to leave millions of folks without health insurance. But we are standing up to make sure our children get the treatment they need to save their lives.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in U.S. children.
“Kentucky has prioritized pediatric cancer research and support for families facing this disease, showing we are a national leader working to ensure our children’s voices are heard,” Elizabeth Turner, David Jr.’s mom and KPCRTF president said. “Thank you to Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky for continuing to honor David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day, giving us hope that one day, children with DIPG will have the opportunity to grow up.”
The governor and the KPCRTF Board awarded seven grants to hospitals and nonprofits, including:
•Norton Children’s Cancer Institute received $976,333 to launch the new Norton Children’s Cancer Institute Family Resource and Survivorship Center.
•The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation received $500,000 to create the Care Advancing Treatment Succession Financial Assistance Fund for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
•Book for Hope was awarded $220,000 for its Just Imagine a Cure Project, which includes financial and in-kind support to childhood cancer patients and caregivers with critical needs, like car repairs so they can get to treatment or medical equipment that is not covered by insurance.
•Kids Cancer Alliance received $160,000 to expand its Financial Assistance Program. The organization also hosts summer camps and retreats for pediatric cancer patients and their siblings, along with fun activities for kids who are receiving treatment in the hospital.
•Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana was awarded $31,000 to expand its Pediatric Financial Assistance Program, which helps cover basic expenses for childhood cancer patients and their families, like groceries and transportation. Gilda’s Club provides social and emotional support for families living with cancer, offering over 190 programs per month, all at no cost to participants.
•Super Drew’s Crew was awarded $24,000, which provides financial support directly to families facing childhood cancer.
•Seth’s Squad received $11,800, which provides psychosocial support programs for childhood cancer patients and their loved ones, including family nights out and support groups. The organization also delivers meals and toys to the hospital to provide hope and build community for families battling this illness.
“Pediatric cancer imposes a significant financial burden on families—a challenge felt acutely in Kentucky, where childhood cancer incidence rates are 7.2% higher than the national average,” the UK Markey Cancer Foundation said in a statement. “The CATS Fund is designed to reduce financial stress for families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis — ensuring that no child’s care is compromised by economic hardship. By reducing out-of-pocket expenses and related costs, this fund will provide direct support to patients and empower families to focus on healing, not financial strain.”