The Live Like Bella Pediatric Cancer Research Initiative Grant Program, established under section 381.922, Florida Statutes, is a critical effort by the Florida Department of Health to advance the search for cures for pediatric cancer. This initiative is designed to provide grants through a competitive, peer-reviewed process, reflecting a strategic alignment with the broader goal of improving health outcomes and fostering research within Florida. The program's core mission is to significantly expand pediatric cancer research capacity within the state, thereby reinforcing Florida's commitment to tackling this challenging disease.
The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are pediatric cancer patients, both those currently undergoing treatment and future generations who will benefit from improved therapies and prevention strategies. The program aims to improve both research and treatment outcomes through greater pediatric enrollment in clinical trial networks, which is crucial for gathering robust data and advancing medical understanding. A key impact goal is to reduce the disproportionate impact of pediatric cancer on certain individuals and groups, ensuring equitable access to advancements in care and research.
Research priorities are guided by the Biomedical Research Advisory Council (BRAC), which advises the State Surgeon General on the direction and scope of grant programs. This year, the Department prioritizes applications addressing the reduction of mortality and morbidity in disproportionately impacted individuals, improved screening accuracy and detection in high-risk groups, and resistance to front-line treatments in recurrent disease for specific cancers. Furthermore, research focused on sarcomas, leukemia and other blood cancers, as well as prevention and treatment research for tobacco and electronic cigarette use (under the James & Esther King Program), and the relationship between obesity and cancer are high priorities.
The expected outcomes include a substantial increase in Florida's pediatric cancer research capabilities and improved treatment efficacy. Measurable results will stem from greater pediatric participation in clinical trials and a demonstrable reduction in the impact of pediatric cancer on vulnerable populations. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the emphasis on diverse grant mechanisms, from Multicenter Clinical Trials up to $900,000, to High-Risk, High-Reward Discovery Science at $125,000, and New Investigator Research at $300,000. These varied funding streams, including support for Equipment and Bridge grants, reflect a comprehensive theory of change that supports both large-scale collaborative efforts and innovative, smaller-scale investigations, ultimately aiming for a multifaceted approach to achieving cures.
