The Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund (KPCRTF) Board recently awarded $2 million in grant funding to support Kentucky kids and families impacted by the disease.
The grant funding went to seven local hospitals and nonprofit organizations that provide financial aid, emotional support and other critical services for families navigating a pediatric cancer diagnosis.
Supporting Lifesaving Work
This latest round of funding adds to the $1.9 million that Governor Andy Beshear announced in May, bringing this year’s total to more than $3.9 million awarded for family support grants.
The funding comes from the record $14 million for pediatric cancer research and support that Beshear secured in the 2024-2026 state budget.
“Every child deserves to grow up healthy and happy, which is why Team Kentucky has been committed to helping fund childhood cancer research and support for these brave children and families,” said Beshear. “These incredible organizations help ease the burdens that families face after a pediatric cancer diagnosis, and I am hopeful these funds will support them as they continue this lifesaving work.”
“Presenting these family support grants today is a powerful testament to the compassion of the entire commonwealth,” said Heather Jones, KPCRTF Board Member. “These funds go straight to the front lines of the fight, offering crucial psychosocial support. This direct support is just as vital as the research we fund; it’s where hope and healing begin.”
Funds awarded include:
- $500,000 to the University of Kentucky (UK) Markey Cancer Foundation for the Care Advancing Treatment Succession (CATS) Financial Assistance Fund for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
- $500,000 to Kids Cancer Alliance to expand its Financial & Bereavement Assistance Programs. The organization also hosts summer camps and retreats for pediatric cancer patients and their families, along with fun activities for kids who are receiving treatment in the hospital.
- $450,000 to Norton Children’s Cancer Institute to support the new Norton Children’s Cancer Institute Family Resource and Survivorship Center.
- $322,000 to Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana to expand its Pediatric Financial Assistance Program and support programming. Gilda’s Club provides social and emotional support for families living with cancer, offering more than 190 programs per month, all at no cost to participants.
- $150,000 to Book for Hope 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.
- $48,000 to Super Drew’s Crew, which provides financial support directly to families facing childhood cancer. The organization was founded in honor of “Super Drew,” 10-year-old childhood cancer survivor Drew Esposito.
- $30,000 to Seth’s Squad for its stocking the pantry program, which provides snacks and food at the hospital for childhood cancer patients and their loved ones. The organization also provides family nights and support groups for families battling childhood cancer.
“Kids Cancer Alliance is honored to receive this support,” said Shelby Russell, Executive Director of Kids Cancer Alliance. “Pediatric cancer places a significant and often overwhelming financial strain on families. This funding will allow us not only to reach more families affected by childhood cancer but also to provide deeper, more impactful support, helping parents focus on their child’s wellbeing instead of financial burdens.”
About the Fund
The Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund’s mission makes childhood cancer a state health priority and access for all Kentucky children to innovative cancer research, precision therapy with less toxicity and comprehensive psychosocial support.
The work includes creating a better understanding of cancer risk factors, epidemiology within the state and health implications of long-term survivorship.
The organization’s efforts target the needs and challenges specific to children of the commonwealth impacted by pediatric cancer to serve as a national model for other states.
