TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — First Lady Casey DeSantis joined a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot today to raise awareness for pediatric cancer in Florida and pay tribute to two-year-old Griffin Anderson from the Jacksonville area, who is currently battling Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Griffin’s journey began on April 29 when he was hospitalized after a fall from a bunk bed, initially raising concerns about a possible clavicle fracture. However, X-rays revealed a mass in his arm that was ultimately diagnosed as Ewing’s sarcoma, which affects approximately 200 to 250 individuals in the U.S. each year, mostly in teenagers and young adults. After receiving chemotherapy and blood transfusions, doctors determined that amputation of his arm was necessary to save his life. Despite these hardships, Griffin has shown remarkable resilience, inspiring those around him with his strength and spirit.
“The battle against cancer is ongoing, and we will not stop until it’s defeated,” First Lady Casey DeSantis emphasized. She expressed pride in promoting advanced health care research and supporting individuals like Griffin in their fight against this devastating illness.
In August 2022, Florida launched the Florida Cancer Connect website, designed to offer the latest advancements in cancer research and survivor stories, along with resources to help residents understand the complexities of cancer care and insurance. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state established the Cancer Connect Collaborative, focused on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment in Florida. The Collaborative has five key objectives: making cancer data accessible, promoting best treatment practices, increasing transparency regarding cancer information, fostering innovation in treatment, and enhancing funding for groundbreaking cancer research.
This year, Florida has dedicated over $232 million to cancer research, including $60 million for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, which represents a significant increase in state investment, and $127.5 million specifically for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.
Overall, the initiatives being implemented in Florida not only provide a hopeful outlook for patients like Griffin but also set a precedent for a supportive and innovative approach to cancer care that could lead to significant breakthroughs in treatment and research.
For more information about Griffin’s story and how to support him in his battle against this rare disease, visit Florida Cancer Connect at flcancerconnect.com.