STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law a bill authored by State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) to create new grant programs for pediatric and breast cancer research.
O'Brien said House Enrolled Act 1453 creates both the Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment Grant Program and the Breast Cancer Research Fund, which will focus on providing grant funding for innovative research into novel forms of treatment.
"This new law will help expand critical cancer research and treatment across our region and state," O'Brien said. "These dedicated grant programs will support innovation and improve outcomes for Hoosiers battling cancer. I'm grateful for the strong bipartisan support and to Gov. Braun for signing this into law."
According to the Indiana Department of Health, more than 300 new cases of pediatric cancer occurred each year in Hoosier children ages 0 to 19 between 2016 to 2020. Additionally, more than 30 children in Indiana died from cancer annually between 2016 to 2020.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 9,000 children in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14, and over 1,000 children under age 15 are expected to die from cancer in 2025.
O'Brien said by further funding pediatric and breast cancer research, novel therapies developed in Indiana could have an impact not only in our state, but could also lead to treatments used throughout the U.S.
House Enrolled Act 1453 passed the Indiana General Assembly unanimously.
To learn more about HEA 1453 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) (front right) joins Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (seated), State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) (far right) and State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) (far left) for a ceremonial signing of his legislation to create new grant programs for pediatric and breast cancer research on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Pediatric and breast cancer advocates were also in attendance.
