STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2025) – The Indiana House of Representatives supported a bill authored by State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) to create a new grant program for pediatric cancer research.
O'Brien said through House Bill 1453, the Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment Grant Program would focus on providing grant funding for innovative research into novel forms of treatment.
"House Bill 1453 would help expand critical pediatric cancer research and treatment in Indiana," O'Brien said. "This legislation would establish a dedicated grant program to support innovation and improve outcomes for children battling cancer, helping more families and kids get a fighting chance. I'm grateful for the strong support from my colleagues in the House and look forward to seeing this bill move forward in the Senate."
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 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 Bill 1453 passed the House Public Health Committee and House Ways and Means Committee before passing the House. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
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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.
