AUSTIN, TX – June 23, 2021 – With Gov. Abbott’s signing of the fiscal year 2021 budget, the Texas Legislature renewed their commitment to appropriate funding for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), following a severe impact on cancer research and clinical trials as a result of the pandemic extending to disruptions to patient treatment in clinical trials.
“We applaud the Texas Legislature for providing full support for CPRIT in its recently passed budget,” said James Gray, ACS CAN Government Relations Director. “At such a pivotal moment in the fight against cancer, their commitment has never been as important as it is today.”
The Legislature’s renewed commitment is momentous: paving the way for tomorrow’s groundbreaking cure and protecting thousands from cancer. Prior the pandemic, cancer rates were decreasing across the nation. Today’s investment is the key to restoring progress in the fight against a disease that kills more than 600,000 Americans each year.
“When I was diagnosed I wanted to be at the best cancer center in the world with access to the latest melanoma treatment advancements – thankfully I’m a Texas resident already,” said Karlee Steele, Austin resident and melanoma cancer survivor. “Through successful surgeries at MD Anderson and accomplished objectives in an immunotherapy vaccine clinical trials, my body was able to fight against my melanoma. I’m forever grateful to my doctors and lawmakers for giving me the opportunity to continue to fish and hike with my son – and live to see him grow into a fine young man.”
Cancer research has long been supported on both sides of the aisle. CPRIT not only allows for innovative, lifesaving work but to has long provided a way for cancer prevention and treatment services to thousands of Texans who otherwise would do without.
Continuing to lead the nation in cancer innovation, Texas is the second-largest funder of cancer research in the nation via CPRIT. Each year, CRPIT awards up to $300 million in grant funding in order to prioritize cancer research and foster breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment.
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