07/23/2025
Today at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, a bold step forward in the fight against childhood cancer. 💛
We were honored to welcome Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, who announced $30 million in funding to elevate pediatric cancer treatment, innovation and research at Florida’s four specialty children’s hospitals in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget.
As one of Florida’s four non-profit, specialty-licensed children’s hospitals, Wolfson Children’s is one of the recipients of this funding, which will help support the continued growth and elevation of its nationally-ranked pediatric cancer program.
“We are grateful to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for prioritizing pediatric cancer care here in our state,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health Jacksonville, which includes Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “This is a transformative investment for our state, our region and the children and families we serve.”
Last year, the First Lady joined Florida’s Specialty Hospitals for Children for a roundtable discussion at Wolfson Children’s on the hospitals’ joint commitment to elevate Florida as a national leader in pediatric cancer treatment and to ensure no child has to leave the state for world-class, specialized care. Florida’s Specialty Hospitals for Children – which include Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Wolfson Children’s - serve the majority of Florida’s children with inpatient admissions for complex cancer conditions or rare tumors.
“Together, Florida’s Specialty Hospitals for Children are working to build a future where kids can receive world-class cancer care without ever leaving their communities,” said Allegra C. Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “We are thankful for this important investment in the health and well-being of Florida’s children. Over the next five years, Florida’s Specialty Hospitals for Children will expand access, elevate care, accelerate research and attract the world’s top talent—right here in our communities.”
Wolfson Children’s was ranked as one of the 50 Best Children’s Hospitals in the nation for pediatric cancer by U.S. News and World Report in its 2024-2025 Best Children’s Hospital rankings. Wolfson Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with Nemours Children’s Health, the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, and Mayo Clinic, offers specialized pediatric cancer care for the North Florida and South Georgia region and beyond.
“We are committed to continuing to elevate our nationally ranked pediatric cancer program and ensuring that children and families in Northeast Florida can receive the best possible care right here in our community,” added Jaros. “We could not do it without the support of the Governor and the Florida Legislature and the generous philanthropic supporters and community leaders who are helping us bring this vision to life. This includes CSX Transportation, the Borowy Family Charitable Foundation; Melanie & Morgan Busby; Jack & Betty Demetree Family Foundation; Nassim & Dana Elias; Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation; Mel & Debbie Gottlieb; Diane & Steve Halverson; the Snyder Family; Martin & Cynthia VanTrieste. Additionally, an anonymous donor, in partnership with St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, matched $50,000 worth of gifts in memory of Leo Stevenson, who lost his battle to cancer at a young age, and in honor of the Stevenson and Carantza families.”
📸 Swipe through to see today’s visit.
📰 Link to the full news release in the comments.
