DALLAS — Texas State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, will receive the Helping Kids Fight Cancer award at a luncheon on Monday in Dallas. The award, presented by the Carson Leslie Foundation, recognizes Senator Nelson’s efforts in the fight against childhood cancer, including the establishment of the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas.

“We are recognizing Senator Nelson’s unparalleled commitment to children with cancer and their families throughout Texas,” said Annette Leslie, CLF co-founder. “She authored the legislation that created CPRIT in 2007 and reauthorized it in 2019, and served as chair of two powerful Senate committees responsible for overseeing and funding Texas’ fight against cancer. As a result of her tireless efforts, CPRIT has funded more than $3 billion in cancer research and prevention efforts in the state and prioritized childhood cancer, investing 12% of their portfolio into childhood cancer research, totaling more than $308 million.”

The award will be presented during the Researchers’ RoundUp, a conference at Pegasus Park in Dallas bringing together Texas’ top scientists and experts in childhood cancer for intensive discussions on innovative approaches to the deadliest disease faced by children in the U.S. The event is sponsored by CPRIT, CLF, Lyda Hill Philanthropies (LHP) and Biotech+ Hub.

“I have the utmost respect for the Carson Leslie Foundation, which advocates on behalf of children with cancer and has been instrumental in advancing childhood cancer research. They also provide critical support for young patients and their mental health needs. It is a great honor to be recognized by this organization,” Senator Nelson said.

Carson Leslie Foundation’s collaborative mission incorporates three distinct pillars. Its cureMEdullo research initiative identifies and invests in medulloblastoma (brain cancer) research. The foundation’s Hootenanny program addresses the mental health crises of kids in the battle. CLF also advocates for policy changes benefitting the overall state of childhood cancer. Brain cancer accounts for 26% of all childhood cancers, 30% of all childhood cancer mortalities.

###