Senator Erica Harriss Introduces Bill to Create Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening research efforts to help fight childhood cancer and improve outcomes for young patients across Illinois.

Senate Bill 3954 would create the Illinois Pediatric Cancer Fund, a special fund within the State Treasury Department dedicated to supporting research, prevention, and treatment efforts related to pediatric cancer. The fund would provide grants to physicians, hospitals, laboratories, universities, and other eligible organizations conducting research focused on childhood cancers.

“Childhood cancer steals far too much from families, and the truth is we still don’t have the answers our kids deserve,” said Senator Harriss. “No parent should ever hear the words ‘your child has cancer’ and wonder whether enough research is being done to save their life. We owe it to every child fighting this disease to put real resources behind the breakthroughs that can change their future. This fund is about honoring their courage with action, and refusing to accept a world where a child’s life is cut short because we didn’t do enough.”

Under the proposal, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services would administer the fund and oversee a grant program designed to support scientific research and innovation related to pediatric cancer. Funding could come from legislative appropriations as well as private donations and other contributions made to support the cause.

“Pediatric cancer is still one of the leading causes of disease-related death among children in our country,” said Senator Harriss. “By creating a dedicated fund here in Illinois, we can help accelerate research and support the doctors and scientists working every day to find better treatments and cures for our children.”

The legislation also ensures transparency by requiring the department to submit annual reports to the General Assembly detailing how funds are used and the progress of research initiatives.

In addition to supporting research grants, the bill allows a small portion of the fund to be used to promote awareness and encourage donations to further expand research opportunities within the state.

SB3954 is currently assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee.

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